Heard Under The Sheds – 4/11/2018

This photo was sent to us by a trader keen to show another side to containers in String Bean Alley. In fact a two-sided container. Concern has been expressed about the blank walls facing L Shed but as this photo shows we could have at least some double sided containers in the aisle to create a point of difference and a see-through look.

Another trader wanted to talk containers with the suggestion that the back of the proposed containers in String Bean Alley could be decorated. He is suggesting that the street artists that do such a great job in our CBD laneways to could be asked to draw relevant designs for our market.

And a third trader has expressed concern about some traders opposing the extra containers in String Bean Alley. She is hoping to get a container and wants to know how she can support the idea. Well for her, and any other traders of a similar viewpoint, you simply email heritage.permits@delwp.vic.gov.au , use the subject heading “VHR H0734 - Queen Victoria Market” and explain why you support the plan for 12 more containers.

A trader’s dilemma – on Friday this trader was seen frantically trying to set up his stall a bit before time. It turns out he had 3 stalls to set up and staff, but only himself and one other to do the work. This was shaping up to be a supreme multi-tasking day.

They’re back!!!! – after a few weeks absence, Romeo and Theresa have opened their newly renovated café in F Shed. The café looks great and the personal service (and great banter) continues.

Our “Tough Times” article last week drew another suggestion for traders looking to minimise the impact of quiet trade - downsize your stall and consider cutting one or two of your unprofitable days. These sorts of moves are not irreversible and management have indicated they are keen to make it easier for traders to adjust to prevailing trading conditions.

Consolidate please! – this request keeps coming up from traders. In order to avoid the unsightly vacant stall gaps, perhaps it is time we consolidated our trading area so as to present a full, unified retail offer.

Stop feeding the birds – ours is an open air market and birds are part of the environment but they can be pests, particularly for traders who are susceptible to bird droppings. Essentially we should discourage their activity under our sheds but one trader is complaining that some of his fellow traders are actively feeding birds and encouraging their numbers to grow. He says that birds can be cute but they can also be damaging to business. Let’s stop the feeding.

There has been a lot of speculation under the sheds about how many traders will turn up to the Traders Ball. One more night and we will know. You will get a report, and pictures on Victraders as soon as possible after the event.
PS - We understand that about 60 more traders and their partners are expected to attend than for the last ball - Ed.

Box storage – the new arrangement for boxes to be stored on trader’s stalls or over in Franklin St. stores is being worked through with traders. Some traders have chosen to ignore the ban on indiscriminate parking of boxes and a few made the mistake of putting their boxes in a vacant stall next to Betty Jennings on Sunday. Betty took offence at “putting your rubbish next to my stall” and with help from Market Officer Alex, the boxes were moved by their owners. There are some traders you don’t mess with.

A trader suggests that the new Information Centre in String bean Alley should be linked up with the portable exchange booth. He believes the two functions are compatible. He also suggests that they could be positioned up in A Shed adjacent to the café on the corner of Peel and Victoria St. creating another compatible association and helping to activate A Shed.

The Decision by Heritage Victoria to refuse approval for the Upper market underground construction has at last been given in detail. One of our scholarly traders has summarised their multi-paged decision as follows–

1.    They needed more information on the entirety of the project not just Quarter 2.

2.    The impact on the current state of the market. Once you change something it has on-going ramifications that leads to more change.

3.    Concern at the impact on traders during construction.

4.    They didn’t feel the economic case was convincing.

5.    Public opinion.

All of which led one trader to ask just how convincing the obvious current decline of the market was in suggesting that something has to be done to accommodate change.

Have Your Say – click here.