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天涯社区鈥檚 market traders on the up as the end of the pandemic comes onto the horizon
Published: 18/05/2021
Offering an entirely different shopping experience to the supermarkets, a whole new generation has been getting to know 天涯社区鈥檚 markets as lockdown begins to ease and people look to support local and independent traders.
Stallholders in Holywell and Mold have reported a rise in customers as restrictions reduce, particularly among younger people.
And with the markets having been a lifeline for many by offering a less busy and more relaxed experience, it is hoped this can continue as the world opens back up and enable traders to flourish.
Ayman Ghosheh, 45, runs The Camel鈥檚 Hump Lebanese street food stall in the Daniel Owen Square, Mold.
Having had to close his thriving Liverpool restaurant for more than a year, he says being part of the market has been vital in the survival of his business.
鈥淧eople have adapted to a new way of life 鈥� those that didn鈥檛 go to the markets before have started coming and have realised that local produce is a completely different quality to the supermarkets,鈥� he said.
鈥淚f I hadn鈥檛 adapted too, and it wasn鈥檛 for the markets like here in Mold as well as home deliveries, we wouldn鈥檛 have survived.
鈥淚 buy local produce as much as I can to cook traditional Lebanese baked goods and snacks.听
鈥淲e鈥檙e a small business and like the other traders in the market, we really appreciate the customers and are trying to do as much as we can.鈥�
Nick White runs Nick鈥檚 Cheese and Meat stall, on Mold high street on market days. The market has also been key to his business鈥檚 survival.
鈥淒uring lockdown, the wholesale side of our business was down, but we kept up with the markets we do here in Mold and a few other places, and I鈥檓 so thankful as they鈥檝e kept us going,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he number of clients we had initially went down, but now the older folk that we hadn鈥檛 seen for months and months are coming back as they鈥檝e had their jabs.
鈥淭hey used to send their nieces or nephews or other relatives to get their orders; people were still supporting us and we were very lucky.鈥�
The independence traders have has also allowed them to be more flexible with their customers, taking orders through social media for collection at the door, or even just being able to chat.
The fish stall in Mold Indoor Market, named A Fish Artist from Fleetwood, was one of only two businesses to operate there through lockdown as essential retailers.
Proprietor Peter Reader says while the first month was hard, it鈥檚 been worthwhile.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been rewarding to stay on and work through the pandemic as I think I鈥檝e earned myself a good name in 天涯社区,鈥� he said.
鈥淯sually, it鈥檚 older people that eat more fish, but I鈥檝e had quite a lot of young people coming in as well.
鈥淚鈥檝e been here about ten years, and you get to know all the families, and that鈥檚 been one of the best things: you can鈥檛 get that at the checkout in the same way, especially if it鈥檚 self-service.
鈥淚n a time when communities across the world are struggling, it鈥檚 just nice to have something far more simplistic and together, rather than being apart. You feel really part of the community.鈥�
Holywell鈥檚 market restarted on 15 April having been out of action during lockdown, although some traders such as the florist, have been operating delivery services.听
Lynda Carter, who runs a stall promoting the town, says it鈥檚 been wonderful to see people return to support it.
She said: 鈥淭he first Thursdays back have been really good, particularly for people鈥檚 mental health. Social isolation has always been a big problem, but to get out into the market and speak to people while you鈥檙e buying your fruit and veg or deli produce is brilliant.
鈥淭he market is more than just a market, it鈥檚 a community. They offer a service nobody else does.鈥�
Vicky Russell, 55, has been running Vanilla Jewellery for ten years. While she would normally sell at indoor events, she made the decision to take a stall at Holywell Market in August 2020.
She says the profile she鈥檚 built online by being a regular face at the market has helped carry her through the lack of other opportunities.
鈥淧reviously I鈥檇 sell at fairs and events and to shops and that was going nicely until lockdown, then it all came grinding to a halt,鈥� she said.
鈥淭he market has been a real boost as it鈥檚 helped me in finding new customers and followers on social media. People buy from me and follow me online, plus it鈥檚 a lovely friendly social event.
鈥淐oming back, people have been quite cautious: they鈥檙e aware of safety and everyone has been taking the right steps, but it鈥檚 been lovely just to get out and be able to talk to people.鈥�
Anne Roberts runs Flowers by Anne at Mold indoor market and says without her customers making orders online, she wouldn鈥檛 still be in business.
She said: 鈥淲e were able to work behind closed doors, with local deliveries or offering click and collect at the back door. Our customers have supported us really well through it all.
鈥淚t鈥檚 saved our business; without the regulars it would鈥檝e been very difficult, and people have been so supportive. We just hope they continue to keep it local as we鈥檙e not out of the woods yet.鈥�
Mold indoor market is open daily, but people are advised to check with each stall holder for their opening times.
Mold outdoor market runs every Wednesday and Saturday, while Holywell鈥檚 market takes place on Thursdays.
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