Nantwich Mayor Andrew Martin has urged residents to “shop local” during a visit to the town’s market.
Cllr Martin visited Nantwich Market traders to find out how business is.
The market, which dates back to 1867, is often bustling on Saturdays, but traders are battling to boost numbers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It includes stall offering fresh produce locally sourced, fruit, vegetables and plants to dairy produce and fish, and gifts and accessories through to pictures and framing.
The Tea Chest Café is also in the building, and other stalls include antiques, toys, motor supplies, and greetings cards.
A spokesman for the traders said: “Thursday is still the traditional market day for those coming in from the outside of town, however trade is picking up on Saturdays.
“Markets are different to high streets. There is a good atmosphere, people come along to chat, have a coffee and make friends, it’s a good community feel.”
Cllr Martin said: “We have a beautiful town, with many independent retailers and our market is a jewel within this crown.
“With the convenience of superstores and internet shopping, local shops and markets are often overlooked with a national downturn in economy.
“I urge you to take time out and support your local businesses and town – you will be pleasantly surprised at what is on offer.”
Nantwich Market is open on Tuesday 9am to 1pm, Thursday 9am to 3pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm.
what’s your shop Nick ?
Hi drowning dabber my my shop is clough of Nantwich and you are? . Let me guess some who uses a name like drowning dabber because he doesn’t want he true indenterty to be known. ?
To be fair I only shop at the market because the stalls I use there have better stuff than some big stores, the folk are fun too.
The bread stall from the London Rd coal fired bakery in Stoke that my gran had her bread from since the ’30’s is there on a Saturday they are great value. Then there is the car care chap who has fab polishes and things. The cheese stall and the fruit place is good as is the bird man with a big variety of seeds, along with the tools chap. Always good for a chat and a laugh. So use the market or you will certainly miss it!!
I don’t know how other shoppers decide where to buy but I use a value for money approach. Nantwich Market is not always cheaper (or even as cheap) as supermarkets (and they are local too) and the quality of some of the so-called fresh produce (veg. etc.) is below par presumably because turnover is low. I don’t believe that we owe market traders a living – they have to compete on price and quality. The other issue is very limited market opening hours. You can’t shop in the market in the evening, for example.
Perhaps Mr Martin should practice what he preachers I’ve never seen him in my shop in nantwich