An Open Letter To Our Lord Mayor
Dear Mr. Doyle,
There are
many who recognise your pivotal role in the process of re-invigorating our wonderful
Queen Victoria Market. Back in 2012 you called concerned traders to your office
to discuss the future of the market and since then we have embarked on the city’s
largest ever project of market renewal.
However, we
would like to question the terminology used this week in Melbourne’s press. “There
may be times when it is like a general market, trash and treasure-type market,
and other times its primary purpose is to be the best fresh-food market in
Australia”.
We would like
to categorically state that there is no trash in the general merchandise (we
now call it specialty merchandise) area of the market. Ironically the only real
trash (definition: waste or refuse) lies at the back of food stalls. The
closest that Specialty Merchandise comes to second hand goods is a monthly
vintage market and we can assure you that quality and prices of those goods are
well above trash level.
The top end
of QVM, the Specialty Merchandise area, contains a huge range of products
ranging from the highest quality to the most price-competitive. We have quality
leather goods, fine jewellery and a broad range of clothing accessories to meet
all needs. We cater for those seeking quality as well as those who consider low
prices essential to their buying.
One of the key attractions of the market’s food area is the
choice. You can buy the finest fresh tomatoes for your Greek salad, or the
lower quality but full flavoured tomatoes for your homemade tomato sauce. The
same applies in the top end where you can, as an example, buy genuine
aboriginal craft for that special souvenir or the cheaper copies depending on
your needs and the size of your wallet. Variety and choice are essential
components of our offer to customers.
The Challenge – why don’t your PR people get in touch with
our PR people and we can organise a showcase of what Specialty Merchandise has
to offer? We’d love to remove the “trash” from our dialogue.
Best Regards – Specialty Merchandise Traders.