Wilmslow Artisan Market is set to continue in its current format, after results from a recent survey show the monthly market is a huge hit with both Wilmslow businesses, local residents and visitors to the town.
95% of businesses surveyed said they wanted the Artisan Market to continue and 95.7 % of individuals surveyed said they wanted the market to continue and feel it is beneficial to the town.
69% of businesses said they want to keep the Artisan Market on a Saturday and 96.7 % of people who visit the market said they either visit permanent shops on market day or would come back to shop in the permanent shops having seen them on market day.
The questionnaire was been prompted by three Wilmslow businesses who raised strong objections to the monthly market at a meeting of the Wilmslow Business Group on Monday 30th January.
As a result, it was agreed that it would be beneficial to have an independent survey carried out to measure the impact the market is having on both permanent stores and the community.
The results of the surveys clearly show that both businesses and visitors are overwhelmingly in favour of continuing the market on the third Saturday of every month.
The Business Survey took place between the February 14th and March 2nd. It was carried out by a volunteer, supported by Cheshire East Council. 124 retail businesses, located on Alderley Road, Water Lane, Parsonage Green, Grove Street, Hawthorn Avenue, Warhem Street, Manchester Road and Church Street, participated.
85% of the businesses which took part have not yet implemented any marketing initiatives to gain a benefit from the increased footfall on market day whilst 36% said they would be interested, or possibly interested in a marketing workshop.
Running alongside the Business Survey a Visitor Survey was also carried out to establish the views of local residents and visitors to the market. This included an online survey, which was promoted on wilmslow.co.uk, as well as a face to face surveys run by volunteers. In total 753 people took part in the visitor survey during a three-week period.
The results showed that 92% of people visiting Wilmslow on a market day stay between 1 and 4+ hours in the town and 82% of people surveyed have future market days in their diary.
Speaking about the results, organiser Denise Valente said "The initial hopes and aims for starting the Artisan Market in Wilmslow were to create a community event, bringing people together, adding vibrancy, spirit, pride and a unique offering - resulting in a destination label for Wilmslow.
"Also to provide a platform for local groups and charities and by doing so revitalizing our town by increasing the number of people choosing to come into the town, rather than visiting out-of-town shopping centres. Giving residents and visitors a reason to do so by offering them an event providing products that cannot be purchased on our high street.
"By enhancing the town centre offering we hoped it would provide the current retail sector the opportunity to benefit from the increased footfall in the town centre on market days and also stimulate shoppers to return on other days.
"The results of the survey overwhelmingly indicate that we have exceeded these expectations. The outstanding majority of businesses see the enormous value of the event. The general public absolutely adore it.
"Any new venture couldn't ask for anything more than this. We are absolutely thrilled and look forward to making the Artisan Market an even bigger asset for Wilmslow in the coming months."
The results are so clear cut that it has been decided these preclude the need for any further meetings or debate.
However, some actions are currently being looked into by Wilmslow Business Group and Cheshire East Council as a consequence of these results. These include producing a visitor map outlining all the permanent stores in the town centre, which we have requested that wilmslow.co.uk and our iPhone app are mentioned on given that these are regularly updated as and when businesses close and new ones open in the town.
They are also looking to acquire funding to support a series of shop doctor workshops for interested businesses, run by Wilmslow based Shop Doctors.
Additionally they are working with landlords whose offices contain car parks which are only utilised Monday to Friday, with the aim of acquiring access to these parking spaces, for people visiting Wilmslow on Saturday and Sundays. The hope is that an agreement can be reached for every weekend, not just market days.
If you work in a local businesses or visit the Artisan Market share your views via the comment box below. Are you surprised by these survey results?
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Its good that the Boardroom is now fully embracing the spirit of the market and is also looking to increase its business just like the other businesses are.
It would have been a disaster for Wilmslow if the market had been withdrawn.
People from quite a wide area now come to Wilmslow on the days that this market is held, bringing extra ancilliery business to the local shops.
It's just a shame that so much time and energy had to be wasted because of three narrow minded, misguided moaners.
Long may it continue, and fingers crossed the people who saw fit to complain about the market will 'put up AND shut up', or am I being over optimistic?
It's about time the Boardroom put an end to their mission to disrupt this well organised and much needed event.
It was never taking customers away from their venue, they didnt have any in the first place.
Maybe now they will embrace the Market and reap the rewards as it brings people into town,