Questions about Markets

What is a market?
A place where crazy folk put up stalls and stand out in all weathers selling their wares. Usually you will find them in city centres six or seven days a week or once a week in towns.

How did markets start?

It's the oldest way of trading. Back in ancient times there weren't so many shops but lots of street traders instead.

Why do we still have markets then when we have so many shops?

Good question. I suppose because it means almost anyone who wants to sell something can set up a stall and sell it. It's cheaper and more flexible than having a shop. Also you get a nice friendly atmosphere at markets and people, traders and customers get more time to chat to each other and become friends.

Are markets better than shops?

Well although in a way they have similar purposes, to sell goods to customers it's not possible to say one type of selling is necessarily better than another. Certainly in winter I think many market traders would rather be tucked up nice and warm in a shop but if trade is difficult then it is good to be able to set up stall in different locations rather than just be stuck in one hoping the customers will come to you.

Markets are more flexible than shops and create their own type of atmosphere.

Do you have to be more careful of rogue traders at markets? Will the goods I buy be rip offs or rubbish?

Well that depends on the market you visit. Trading Standards visit most markets on a regular basis and get rid of the baddies. Like any business a few baddies can give a place a bad (undeserved) name. Be more wary with traders selling DVDs or electrical items if they aren't at market every week. Also see if the trader is a casual. Good traders will usually have a regular pitch and attend market every week and be happy to take returned items if the customer isn't satisfied.

In my experience nearly all market traders are hard working business people who sell quality goods that are just as good as any you will find in a shop if not better. Because it is their business they will want to please you and have your regular custom.

Council run markets tend to have strict rulings on who can trade. Market traders have to join the National Market Traders Federation which gives them insurance and a professional body to report to. Market inspectors are informally known as Toby's, if you have a problem with a trader ask where you can find the Toby and he/she might be able to help.

Will markets survive with all the large supermarkets?

Well I hope so but they will only survive if people start to recognise the true value markets give towns and cities. They bring in tourism, many foreign visitors enjoy using markets because it is a part of their culture. People abroad are more likely to shop at markets than we are in the UK.
Also markets provide a more environmentally friendly way of shopping. Few market traders use electricity, heating and lighting or chemicals to clean with. It's healthy to shop in the open air too. The more hours you can spend out in the natural daylight the less depressed you will become. I am living proof. I used to work in an office and often ended up with flu bugs and viruses. Also I used to get really down. Now I am in the open air at least three to four (sometimes five) days a week, I've never been healthier (touch wood). I can't remember the last time I had a cold but it must have been years ago. (Uh oh, I'll probably get one now!)

How can I find out about a market near me?

Contact your local council, check out their website or ask at Tourist Information. Someone should be able to point you in the right direction. Think about the type of market you want to visit, these days there are Farmer's markets as well as traditional ones, Flea Markets, Antiques and Collectables.

What can I find at a market?

Again, it depends on the market. The markets my stall visits (www.myriadlife.co.uk for further information) provide everything from fresh fruit and veg to books, tools, carpets, CDs, clothing, baskets, plants, vacuum spares, camping gear, and loads more. Check out www.sheringhammarket.blogspot.com and www.fakenhammarket.blogspot.com for further details.

Markets vary across the country in what they supply. London markets are brilliant to visit. Places like Spitalfields have new fashion designers, creators etc so you might pick up something from someone who will one day be famous.

Anyway, whatever you do, give markets a try - we need your support to keep the great British tradition alive.



Visit www.myriadlife.co.uk for great costume & natural jewellery, pashminas, & batik pictures