Sir, As a representative from one of the local authorities mentioned in the recent article about the revival of traditional markets, I was interested to read your comments and those in the subsequent Telegraph piece.
We chose to invest at a time when markets were perceived to be struggling, giving our market a prime position at the centre of our town centre. This is because, as you rightly point out, markets offer a more socially aware shopping experience.
However, there is more to the trend than that. For us, the key is that smaller businesses are able to adapt and respond to technologies and trends much quicker. Any trader on any given day can decide to change and shift in line with his or her customers’ needs.
We know we need to make our market as accessible as possible to counteract one of the problems you raise, that of the traditional ‘big shop’. We have introduced ShopAppy - an online selling platform for our traders where shoppers can ‘click and collect’. This offers convenience and allows traders to digitise their selling platforms in a way they would not have been able to before.
Our investment in the market has also positively impacted the surrounding town centre, with around 15 independent restaurants opening in the last 18 months. As our market has been at the heart of our town since 1249, we are delighted to see traditional markets celebrated as a growing form of grocery retailing.
David Shepherd, director of regeneration & property, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
No comments yet