The UK’s retail markets may be in serious decline but fresh produce has a vital role to play, new research has shown.
Research undertaken by market operators’ and traders’ associations has shown that the number of traditional, general markets is shrinking while stall occupancy and shopper rates are dwindling.
But a resurgence of speciality markets such as farmers’ markets and visiting European markets is breathing new life into the sector.
“Through careful planning, increased local authority support, highlighting the health agenda, supporting regeneration programmes and increasing the kinds of activities at markets, we can help place the spotlight back on markets to turn them into events,” said report author Nick Rhodes who carried out the research on behalf of the National Association of British Market Authorities, the National Market Traders’ Federation and the Association of Private Market Operators with the Retail Enterprise Network. The research project was based at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School.
“The way forward for markets is in food,” said Rhodes. “We also have the opportunity to tap into the healthy eating trend to boost sales of fresh produce.”
Rhodes found in his research that there is a need to move away from street markets being seen as down market. “In order to succeed, traders need to explore providing better quality food and wholesalers have a role to play in providing a better quality offer for stalls to purchase,” he said. Key findings were that average stall occupancy rates at markets are just 75 per cent and falling. There are more than 1,150 retail markets in operation in the UK and more than 150,000 stalls available each week.
