Market traders in South Holland have come together to promote what is good about shopping with them.
One of the well-known faces on Spalding market – David Burgess – is leading from the front by setting up and chairing the first-ever South Holland branch of the National Market Traders’ Federation. Its main objective is to promote the district council-run markets and boost trade.
Mr Burgess, a market trader for 13 years, runs a watch stall with his wife Tracey and says it’s vital that traders do what they can to push the benefits of markets patronage.
“The branch was formed just before Christmas and the main reason is to try and promote the market,” he said.
“We realise the council doesn’t have the money now to advertise markets as much as we’d like so as traders it’s up to us to raise some money and let people know about us.”
Each Tuesday and Saturday a fundraising football card is circulated around the stallholders, with the proceeds pooled for promotion ideas.
On Saturday, February 13, there will be a Valentine-themed free raffle with several prizes including a large cuddly toy and a hamper. Anybody making a purchase at a qualifying stall on the market will receive a raffle ticket for the draw at the end of the day.
Another promotion is planned for Easter and the branch wants to be involved with the national Love Your Market fortnight campaign in May.
Nearly all the traders are members of the branch and six of them make up the committee. Informal meetings are planned every six weeks in the South Holland Centre after a Tuesday market.
Mr Burgess said: “January is always a quiet period but our markets are still popular and we’re keen to keep it that way.
“I get new customers to my stall quite regularly. That’s what we want to keep encouraging across the market.”
Traders at other district council markets, including Holbeach which this month moved to Boston Road car park for a trial period, are welcome to join the South Holland branch.
Mr Burgess said: “It seems to be working well at Holbeach. There’s more footfall and therefore the traders are making more money.”
