String Bean
Alley Containers – JLP and “tap, tap” (personalised leather accessories) were
the successful applicants for the two vacant containers in SBA. Still no news
on when additional containers might be
introduced. One trader has asked how traders might get involved in that process
and make submissions to Heritage Victoria or whoever is involved in the
decision making.
Trader with
other things on their mind – our photo shows a set of golf clubs parked in a
trader’s stall. Are there definite plans for a game of golf after the market or
is this just a thought diversion during quiet trading times? Actually the level
of stall vacancies recently might leave room for some golf under the sheds.
Trader
health – Guru Pete had to have some tests recently but he says all is under
control and he is following doctors orders. Trader Graeme can’t drive his van
yet (under doctors orders) but is very grateful for the assistance of a couple
of fellow traders who give him a lift into work - the trader community at work.
Well done!
Signs of
success – A trader is impressed with Merlo’s coffee shop at the top of F Shed
and not only likes their shop fit-out with its intriguing roasting machinery
but says these photos of a pallet of coffee show they are moving some produce
as well.
Patience is
being stretched in the Upper Market as Specialty Traders experience very quiet
trading and wait for renewal action. One trader said “You live on hope….but I have been hoping for a long,
long time.”
Good
News/Bad News – Attendees at the Meet the Mentor session on Thursday afternoon
were given a one-on-one treat as mentors almost out-numbered traders but the
refreshments supplied were wasted with such a small crowd.
NZ Service Lacking
– one of our traders recently holidayed in NZ and commented on the generally
poor customer service in shops compared with our QVM Traders. By comparison we
were friendly, energetic, and much more customer focussed.
Interstate
Visitors – a trader commented on the number of Tasmanian customers he served on
Saturday. The AFL Indigenous Round is apparently an attraction for many
Tasmanians.
Great TV exposure – the TV show Sunrise visited our market last week for some cameo
trader appearances. Bruce Goose received 28 immediate responses to the TV
exposure from local residents and a boost to his online ordering. The impact
continued over the weekend with interstate visitors telling Bruce they had seen
his business on the breakfast TV show. Trader Danny Lewin also starred (his
words, not mine) on the Sunrise show and received a notable response which
trickled over to the weekend with SA and WA visitors commenting on his
appearance. Well done to both traders and a big Well Done to our marketing team for organising the exposure.