Since 2021, amidst the challenges posed
by the COVID-19 pandemic, a novel
economic phenomenon has quietly
emerged in urban settings. In the spaces
between office buildings, outside
commercial districts, along riverbanks,
and beside squares, rows of car trunks
meticulously transformed into unique
mini-shops have become a common
sight. These “car boot sales,” or “trunk
markets[MM1] ,” typically operate after
sunset, offering a blend of everyday life
and artistic flair, creating a self-healing
space nurtured by the city itself. Since
2022, car boot sales have gained
significant traction on Chinese social
media platforms like Xiaohongshu, with
over 80,000 posts tagged “car boot sales”
and related videos amassing over 1.5
billion views on TikTok. Car boot
sales in China represent a fusion of
“street stalls,” “night markets,” and the
traditional “car boot sales” originating in
the UK during the last century[MM2] .
While UK car boot sales are typically
daytime events held on summer
weekends, featuring second-hand goods,
the Chinese version is predominantly a
nighttime activity selling a wide range of
first-hand items such as snacks, drinks,
handmade crafts, and trendy toys
(Greene & Storey, 2010). The
2
participants in these markets often
include young people, distinguishing
them from traditional street vendors and
night market sellers. They might be
freelancers, shop owners, or office
workers engaging in side businesses.
Many have interests in off-roading, coffee
culture, or trendy collectables, and they
frequently use social media for
promotion. Despite the rapid rise
and popularity of car boot sales,
comprehensive research on their impact
on vendors’ social livelihood and wellbeing
is still lacking (Hobbs, 2022). Car
boot sales in China closely relate to the
informal economy and night economy,
sharing characteristics of irregularity and
nocturnality (Huang et al., 2020).
Research on informal employment has
explored motivations and influencing
factors, focusing on macro-level
characteristics while neglecting microlevel
perspectives such as individual
behaviours and values (Huang, 2009).
Studies on street vending and mobile
vendors primarily address government
regulation and social integration, lacking
an in-depth examination of individual
vendor behaviours (Huang et al., 2022).
Similarly, research on the night economy
highlights cultural and recreational
aspects from the consumer and spatial
perspectives, but few scholars have
delved into the traits (Farrer, 2018).
Existing studies have predominantly
focused on economic aspects, often
overlooking the social dimensions that
are crucial in shaping vendors’
experiences (Crewe & Gregson,
1998). This study aims to fill this gap by
exploring the motivations behind
vendors’ participation in car boot sales,
their impact on social livelihood, and the
role of social networks and relationships
formed in these markets. The
concept of social livelihood encompasses
various facets of an individual’s life,
including economic stability, social
relationships, and psychological wellbeing
(Sakdapolrak, 2014). Previous
research on informal economies suggests
that participation in such markets can
significantly impact these areas. Social
capital, derived from networks and
relationships, is pivotal to individuals’
3
economic activities and overall wellbeing
(Monger, 1990). However, there is
a dearth of research specifically
examining car boot sales through this
lens. Shenzhen’s unique
development as a reform pioneer, high
urban mobility and renewal, and diverse
vendor population make its car boot
markets an ideal case study for this
research. This study seeks to understand
the broader social implications of car
boot sales, addressing the existing gap in
the literature by examining the
motivations, impacts, and social networks
associated with these markets. By
investigating these dimensions, the
research aims to provide a nuanced
understanding of how car boot sales
affect vendors’ lives, offering valuable
insights for researchers, practitioners,
and policymakers. The primary
objectives of this study are to identify the
motivations and factors behind vendors’
decisions to enter car boot sales, assess
the impact of car boot sales on vendors’
social livelihood, and examine how social
networks and relationships formed at car
boot sales influence business success and
community integration. Utilizing a
qualitative research approach, this study
employs in-depth interviews and
observations to gather data. The research
design includes selecting a diverse
sample of vendors, conducting semistructured
interviews, and analyzing the
data using thematic analysis while
adhering to ethical considerations such
as confidentiality and informed consent.
The central thesis of this study posits
that participation in car boot sales
significantly impacts vendors’ social
livelihood and well-being. This impact is
mediated by the social networks and
relationships formed within these
markets, contributing to vendors’
business success, community integration,
and overall quality of life. This paper
is structured as follows: Chapter 2
provides a detailed review of existing
research on social livelihood, informal
economies, and social capital theory.
Chapter 3 describes the research design,
data collection methods, and analytical
approach. Chapter 4 presents the findings
of the study, organized by the research
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questions and themes identified during
the analysis. Chapter 5 interprets the
findings, discussing their implications for
theory, practice, and policy. Chapter 6
summarizes the key findings,
contributions of the study, and
suggestions for future research. By
examining the social aspects of car boot
sales, this study aims to offer a
comprehensive understanding of how
these markets affect vendors’ lives,
providing valuable insights for future
research and policy formulation.
[MM1]Chinese names here
[MM2]A bit too vague
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