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Soho market where you can pay in kindness
Sri Carmichael24 Apr 2009
Customers are being asked to pay with "acts of kindness" rather than cash at a Soho market.
Berwick Street market will be money-free between 1pm and 3pm tomorrow. Customers must tell a funny story, smile or give a hug for their goods.
Ian Keene, 62, who has run a fish stall at Berwick Street for 43 years, said: "With all the gloom about, people need to try to cheer each other up."
Mr Keene said he would give customers a dinner of fish fillets in return for a simple compliment. But to wangle some of his top scallops, he will insist on a good joke or a song and dance.
Fruit and vegetable seller Norman Wilson, 50, said: "I think customers will love it. It's going to be like a little street party, everyone happy and being nice to each other."
Tomorrow's event is the culmination of a week-long campaign by Absolut vodka, Absolut Kindness, aimed at encouraging Londoners to imagine a world where good feelings are more important than money.
Mark Hamilton, head of marketing for Absolut, said: "We want to show our customers an optimistic vision of life."
Reader views (4)
Awesome!! Lots of laughs, magic and memorable experiences with an an injection of positivity for the city and beyond. COME ON LONDON!!
- Talisa Watson, London, 27/04/2009 09:45
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I think this a beautiful and most wonderful idea. But I am disappointed that it is not being adopted throughout the nation and so I will miss the chance to be involved. I do however want to spread happiness and good cheer, so should anyone like to contact me, I would be very pleased to provide a hug, a smile and a happy story.
- Clovis Mackintosh, Bude, Cornwall, 24/04/2009 13:58
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Best laugh i have had all day Napoleon, free fish fillets for you
- Graham, London, 24/04/2009 13:41
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I take it the working girls who run their business from and around Berwick Street won't be offering their wares free of charge then!
- Napoleon Blownaparte, London, 24/04/2009 12:51
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