Markets boost in trade during pandemic

But as well as seeing communities pulling together in the face of these difficult times, another positive to come out of this global pandemic is that many town markets are now thriving, as outdoor markets offer a safer shopping experience.

One also feels a sense of community at local markets, offering support to small local businesses and being able to have a chat and banter with stall holders, especially as many cannot get out often due to shielding.

Sleaford’s Friday Market is one example of a thriving market, with young traders and new stalls in recent weeks.

A regular visitor to the market, Mel Stanley, said: “This is a market town, the market place is really beautiful and the market is an important aspect of life in the town and for Sleafordians.

“The impression I get is that the market, now it has improved, is as important for people in these restricted times, to be able to be out for a short time and speak, and communicate at least to a trader, and shop outdoors.”

This is certainly the opinion also held by Jaedon Williamson, who sells fresh fruit and vegetables as a part of his father's business, JVW Fresh Produce of Leicester.

Jaedon only started trading in Sleaford one month before lockdown started, but said he was welcomed with open arms by locals.

“Now eight months later, I have seen how much the market has regenerated itself with the new additions of several traders and I believe going into the winter months and into 2021 Sleaford market will continue to build and improve,” he said.

“But an important thing to note is that none of this would be possible without the incredible support of the local community in Sleaford, every single customer is truly appreciated and our customers are fine examples of the community spirit in Sleaford.

“It’s truly humbling to be a part of it, now and, God willing, many years into the future.”

Horncastle’s regular markets take place on a Thursday and Saturday in the town’s market square, with Louth’s being held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Spilsby market takes place on Mondays.

All three town’s markets are operated by East Lindsey District Council.

Esther Belton, operations support manager at the district council, said: “Our markets continue to be popular with consumers and traders alike, and we’re delighted to say we’ve seen a number of new traders giving the markets a try over recent months.

“Whilst footfall hasn’t yet returned to a pre-lockdown level, we’re aware that many consumers are still only at the beginning of returning to our town centres, and we’re doing everything we can to encourage them to do that with confidence.”

Louth fabric business Dispirito Fabrics are just one business who hold a stall in Louth’s Wednesday and Saturday markets, and said they love feeling part of the community

A spokesman said: “We love the conversations with our customers and hearing about their projects, and all the other stories we get told.

“The market lets us offer a truly personal service and provide bespoke solutions from the tiny to the extra large – like making an XL face mask for a gentleman that couldn’t get one to fit, or sewing a tiny dog coat for an XS dog that likes tartan fabric.”

Boston’s bustling market, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday, offers a huge range of goods, services and fresh local produce including fruit and vegetables, plants, toys, gadgets, fabrics, sweet treats and household goods.

A spokesman for Boston Borough Council, which offered traders half-price rents from June to August, confirmed that the market has bounced back strongly after Covid and have seen a great response in them returning.

Coun Chelcei Sharman, portfolio holder for Boston Borough Council’s town centre services, said: “It is clear the market was sorely missed during lockdown, and it’s heartening to see the traders re-joining us, providing our town with the business it deserves.

“The benefit of our outdoor market means that traders are in a fantastic position to come back from the coronavirus lockdown better and stronger than ever, and we are hopeful we can rebuild the trade by supporting our traders.”

Over in Market Rasen, the main market day is on Tuesdays with an additional one on Friday, and dates back as far as the 13th century.

The town council’s community manager, Faye Lambkin-Smith, said that their market has remained popular throughout lockdown and the stall holders have returned happily.

“It’s easier than going to the supermarket because it’s much easier to socially distance outside,” she said.

Plans are already in place for Market Rasen’s Christmas market to go ahead this year on Saturday December 5, and Faye urged any stall holders who would like to hold a stall at the festive event to get in touch.

“We’d really like it to go ahead this year to give people something festive to enjoy,” Faye said, “It will be a low-key event with social distancing in place and marshalls to keep everyone safe, but we all need a boost and have something to look forward to.”

The theme will be Light Up Market Rasen, and there are plans to hold a ‘most festive face covering’ competition. More details will be released in due course.

If anyone would be interested in holding a stall at Market Rasen’s Christmas Market, contact the town council on 01673 308010 or email [email protected]

Markets have become so popular that Wainfleet now has a brand new market, taking place on Friday mornings as part of East Lindsey District Council’s Shop Local, Stay Safe, Be Kind initiative, designed to promote town centres as safe places to visit.

Susan Alldread of Wainfleet Methodist Church said: "It's been wonderful, a lot of enderly people have come out to have a look round and sat on the benches chatting.

"We also have our community nurses here to support them. People seem to be enjoying it."