The Hawker
Night Market launched this week with most Specialty Merchandise participants
describing it as a “work in progress”. As expected,some tweaking will be needed from
organisers and the same from traders new to the night time experience. Night
time trading is certainly different not only with the conditions but also the clientele.
A few traders reported lighting issues which they will need to address before
next Wednesday and a few will be tinkering with their product offer as they adjust to customer preferences. For a
first time concept with many first time night traders, it was generally given a
thumbs up. Hopefully the school holidays and perhaps some warmer weather will
contribute to an even better assessment
next week.
Breaking the
monotony – on a particularly quiet day’s trading (Saturday) it took a little
creative thinking from Trader Ronnie Z to launch his “Half time fruit break” for
nearby traders. The delicious fresh fruit, the kind gesture, and the fun factor
helped brighten up the day for traders. Good thinking Ronnie.
Box Storage
In M Shed – the plan to remove trader’s storage boxes from M Shed and free up
the space for QVM storage needs has resulted in at least one email protest from
a trader. One trader suggested that if the roller door space had been required
for retail purposes that would have made more sense. Traders with larger than
average stalls, high levels of stock, and multiple storage boxes may have
issues with the move.
Australian Actor
at Night Market – Melbourne born actor David Lyons was a customer at the
inaugural Hawker 88 Night Market. He is known for his roles as Josh Holiday in
the Nine Network navy drama Sea Patrol, Dr. Simon Brenner in the NBC medical
drama ER, General Sebastian Monroe in the NBC post-apocalyptic drama Revolution,
and most recently as Mike Diangelo in the Netflix series Seven Seconds. Our
photo shows David with Emine from Aminalee Jewellery in String Bean Alley.
Some traders
greeted the news of the West Coast Eagles winning their way into the AFL Grand
Final with great anticipation. Western Australian visitors have been good
customers of our market in the past. However reports that airlines are
inflating the airfares for the Perth/Melbourne trip may put a dampener on the
visitor’s spending. Up to $2000 for a return flight has been reported.
More traders
are calling for a consolidation of the Upper Market so that the trading area
can look full and busy without the current gaps. (PS - a senior source has suggested we watch this space.)
Romeo’s Café
in F Shed is closed while it undergoes its own form of renewal. In the meantime
the banter with Romeo and Theresa will be missed by many.
No reports
on the new Trader Engagement Centre or Trader Lounge on Victoria St. yet.
Please comment in Have Your Say if you have attended.