The first day of trading at Sheffield’s new Moor Market was a “phenomenal” success, beating the city’s record for the number of market shoppers on a Monday.
An estimated 25,000 people entered the market yesterday, 5,000 more than the busiest Saturday at the old Castle Market.
Entry at 10am had to be staggered by security staff as there were so many people queuing.
Traders reported huge sales increases compared to the old Castle Market figures, with one till taking the equivalent of four tills at the old location. Another stall’s takings were what they would normally expect to make in a week.
Leader of Sheffield City Council Julie Dore said the reaction from traders and shoppers was phenomenal.
She said: “The new Moor Market is not only an investment in terms of a stunning new building, but it is an investment in Sheffield-run businesses and the future economy of the city.”
The market was officially opened by two traders ringing a traditional market bell dating from 1851.
The Moor Market has a strong focus on fresh produce and there are fruit and vegetable stalls by every entrance to the indoor venue.
It is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. The £18 million glass and brass structure is the only new purpose-built market hall to be constructed in the UK in the last decade.
Approximately one third of the 90 traders are new to the city’s markets. The building also includes eight retail units facing onto the lower Moor, including frozen retailer Iceland and Poundland.
Ranald Phillips, a director for Scottish Widows Investment Partnership Trust (SWIPPT), which owns the leasehold for much of The Moor, said more retailers in the area could result in increased footfall.
Phillips said: “It was a big day for The Moor welcoming 90 new businesses and adding 90 more reasons for people to shop there.”
