12:00pm Thursday 4th December 2008
By Steve Mather
EVESHAM Charter Market is ‘struggling’ in its first few months under new operators who say they don’t expect trade to pick up again until next Spring.
Dennis Stanley of EG Skett and Company which took over the running of the market from the town council in September, presented a review of the first three months of business to Evesham Town Council on Monday (1) evening.
Mr Stanley explained that trying to launch a new market in the current financial climate was ‘a big challenge’ but said that the company was in it for the long haul and were confident of making the market a success in time.
After informing councillors of a difficult few weeks he outlined plans to re-launch the market at Easter 2009.
Mr Stanley said: “This is a long term commitment and we are not surprised that we are struggling. It is difficult to attract traders to a brand new market but we feel we are up to the challenge.
“Around 39 traders have been through the market since it started but most have not stuck. We have eight good traders who have stayed throughout and are starting to build up a regular clientele. We want these traders to form the backbone of the market.
“Most customers are not local residents and are infact tourists which surprised us. We don’t anticipate it getting any better in January and February so we are just going to have to grin and bear it.
“We have to make ourselves more visible because at the moment it is just not grabbing people.”
Cllr Andrew Dyke said: “We will have a meeting in March to talk about ideas for the re-launch. Times are hard and we are on a learning curve.”
Cllr Gerry O’Donnell added: “We have to keep positive and promote the market.”
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk