Thanks for the research Porty – interesting results. I hope you’ll agree they aren’t exactly conclusive against the market though.
5 out of 14 traders takings are down
– down since when and because of what? Down on the first Saturday of every month only? And not all the traders you surveyed stock the same kind of produce our traders stock, so I would be interested to know exactly which traders were down.
9 were in favour of continuance mainly becuse they recognise that the public like it
– that’s good to know and is exactly what we are aiming for; a wide choice for the customer in particular more organic and sustainably produced food available locally.
Other Points Raised:
Concerns were expressed that the market was no longer run by PEDAL but by a private company.
Market Craft are a professional market operator. They have been running the operational side of things under contract to PEDAL since February. We use them mainly because we don’t have – nor do we want to have – stalls, space to store them, or staff to put them up and take them down. MC also ensure traders comply with the relevant legislation – that they are registered with the Council, have the right insurance, food hygiene training, etc. They also deal with taking the fees. And they employ two local lads on a sessional basis to help with the stalls (we put out an advert for them a few months ago, as we saw the benefit of creating some local employment, small though it is). However, PEDAL remains the license holder, has final say on what kind of produce is sold, and is responsible for the publicity side. So it’s still PEDAL’s market.
Some questioned the cost of a stall, suggesting that it was more than £50.
Nope it’s £50. Nothing to say this can’t be reviewed though, and it no doubt will be at some point.
There were concerns expressed about the introduction of competitors as a further threat to the high street.
As I said before, if there was more sustainable/organic produce sold in the High Street shops then yes I’d agree we would be competition. But there isn’t much. If local shops start stocking more of it then I think it would be job done for us.
There were concerns that the mnarket may become more frequent, perhaps fortnightly then weekly.
No plans for fortnightly or weekly at present. Interesting idea though …
There wad general consent that the market was good for the community, giving them more choice and a different, mor organic shopping experience.
Good to hear.
Many expressed that they may feel differently as the summer unfolds, when the market shoudl get busier.
Yes I think it will get busier as the weather improves (here’s hoping) and people want to shop outside, sit in the park and experience something different. I’d also say that the market will pull people into Porty for this reason, and that may bring a spin off benefit by increasing footfall for High Street shops too. Hopefully.
On the fishmonger, we too had our concerns when GA Thompson first approached us for a stall (ref. competition with Williamsons). We nearly said no. I buy my fish from Williamsons, and have had many chats with James about the market. He has never expressed any concerns. And he always lets us put up posters for the market (as do most of the other traders). If he does sell MSC or organic certified produce then he needs to make a big deal of it – otherwise how can customers know he does, and make the choice? But I don’t think he does, as my wife asked for organic fish once and was almost laughed out of the shop – told there is no such thing (untrue). But I do enjoy shopping at Williamson’s and it would be great if James and his crew would start stocking (or labeling) more sustainable fare.
We may carry out our own survey of the High Street traders soon, so it will be interesting to compare results.
Cheers,
Tommy
