Chester Market needs your help! #Blog

Victoria Hayes
31st May 2022

Use us or lose us’ – Chester Market traders call on people to keep supporting them.

Traders are concerned at the drop in footfall since some longstanding market traders have already moved out, yesterday they issues a heartfelt plea for locals to continue to support them in the run up to the new market opening later this year. Those with stalls in the current market hav enotice a significant drop off in footfall as some traders have already moved out of the market ahead of the new market opening.

The new market, part of the city’s massive new Northgate Development premises amazing things later this autumn and the traders moving into the new location have already had a tour and are excited by the plans and shiny new building. However, they are struggling to continue to trade in the now depleted old market until the building is ready. 

Stephanie Peters, who runs gourmet pastry stall, Pastry Pedaleur at the market, said: “There has been a decline in footfall as people have been moving out. Friday and Saturday are great but through the week footfall has been steadily declining.

“We are all so passionate about what we do. Chester Market is of the community, by the community and for the community. I’m excited about the move to the new market but, in the meantime, everything is still all guns blazing for us here. You’re missing out if you don’t come to see us.”

The traders have taken steps to encourage people back in, they have introduced new signage so it’s clear who is still there trading plus traders have expanded their own stalls into nearby empty ones to provide a more welcoming environment. 

Geoff, from Geoff Hughes Family Butchers, who started work at Chester Market 46 years ago at the age of 14, added: “I think that when we get into the new market and get it moving it will be fantastic, but it’s just this interim period. I would say to people to use us or lose us. We need you to keep coming in during this period before we move.”

Here at Taste Cheshire we are passionate in our support of both local produce and traders. Chester Market is still home to amazing fresh meat, fish, patisserie, plants, street food of so many different varieties and deli. Foodie Friday remains a fun part of Chester market life and Paysan and That Beer Place are there for all your drinky needs!

There are still more traders who aren’t just food and drink. 

We love Bookingham Palace and Vinyl Richies, Purely Pots for gorgeous blooms or Geeky Nerd Toys who have recently opened in the existing Chester Market.

There really is something for everyone so let’s all go and support these fantastic local businesses.

Use them, or lose them.