The heading
has you guessing doesn’t it, but this one is about consolidation of the Upper
Market and the regularity of comments from traders suggests it is time we took
that big step and got rid of the gaps.
There are
areas of the market that are particularly vulnerable to gaps in stalls and the
sad picture in sheds like C and D Sheds is seen as a
severe negative not just to traders but also to customers. Traders say they are
regularly overhearing customers talking about the obvious decline in the
market.
Gaps are also
appearing in other sections of the market and it is not a good look. The answer
would seem to be simple – consolidate the market into a smaller area. The result
would be removal of gaps and a return to a full, vibrant market. Many traders
say the “buzz” of a full market is important to maintaining the right
consumer mood and maximising sales.
As one
trader said (thanks Tony) – you would not hold a garden party and spread your
guests out deliberately to improve the appearance. Conversations require the
energy of large groups and guests will naturally gravitate to where the action
is. It is an analogy but for many traders there will be a parallel in creating
energy to achieve sales through consolidation of the trading area.
Efforts have
been made to minimise the impact of gaps. New traders have often been directed
to empty areas and spreading is not only sought by traders but also encouraged
by management. But clearly that is not enough and many believe the time has
come for a more scientific approach and maybe a structural change in how and
where we position stalls.
There is a
lot to consider here, but let’s get a serious conversation started. – time waits
for no-one.
