J Shed Lighting – one of our intrepid traders
took some light readings this week and they showed considerable disparity
between stalls. Now we want to stress that there are many factors that need to
be taken into account when measuring retail lighting and this was just a quick
check one morning. Here are some readings and it is worth noting that showrooms
aim for around 500 lux while super market lighting is usually desired around
750 lux.
J 44/45 (new LED light) Walkway 481 Stall
Interior 719
J 49/ (LED light) W 435 Int 691
J 59/60 W 819 (lower hanging) Int 348
J 30/31 W 456 Int 228
J 22/23 W 503 Int 306
J 14/15 W 428 Int 197
J 3/4 W 230 (pre-existing older non LED
light) Int 197
The readings were taken directly under
lights and moving away from that position resulted in a significant drop in
readings. Of course retail lighting is usually enhanced with supplementary
spots and the like but without electricity at stall level we don’t have that
option.
In The Wind – apparently at least one
trader has expressed concern that new containers proposed for String Bean Alley
might restrict airflow in summer. One L Shed trader tells us he blesses the day
that containers arrived at the top of the aisle and protected him from
destructive winds that whipped in under the sheds and damaged stock and
displays. Perhaps it depends on who you ask, where they trade, and of course
the weather on the day.
The New Information Hub has raised
concern with its placement. Traders were surprised at how far back under the
shed it has been set and the narrow trading space left behind in L Shed. Are
the proposed new containers going to be set back as well?
The empty stalls around the upper market
this Sunday have led to speculation that the extremely tough trading conditions
right now are simply making the high Sunday rents un-economic for many traders.
If they still have leave credits they are taking them.
Rumours that a petition might do the
rounds on Tuesday seeking trader objections to the proposed new containers in String
Bean Alley. This might test out those traders who have already expressed
interest in one of the containers and indeed any trader who sees them as an attractive option.
Box Storage In M Shed – the ban on
storing boxes in the roller door sheds at the top of SBA seems to have survived
its first week without too much drama. Presumably traders have been able to
make other arrangements. We can confirm that market equipment has been moved
into those sheds. How did you fare with alternative arrangements? Please comment here.
One trader told us on Friday that he was
worried about meeting his obligations after some poor trading and then on
Sunday announced that he had a bumper day – the delicious uncertainty of
retailing right now.
Committee of Trustees - a trader has suggested that this new body could be a perfect opportunity to inject some hardcore retail experience into the management process.
Entertainment - a trader has acknowledged that we probably can't turn the Day Market into a Night Market with all its entertainment and food options but maybe some entertainment could be part of the day experience. He joked that it would keep traders from getting bored but his suggestion is serious. He is thinking of roving entertainment or perhaps a stage that could be positioned in different areas on different days.