Following some dreadful weather last week, thankfully the sun came out on Sunday for the Wilmslow Artisan Market.
Organisers confirmed that this month's market was much better attended than January's, however the footfall was still nowhere near that previously experienced at the Saturday markets.
Denise Valente explained "Sunday trading is a much shorter window with visitors not coming out until after 11am and then disappearing much earlier in the afternoon.
"It seems we had lots of folk supporting us on Sunday and our advertising campaign on the event helped raise awareness. However balancing this, the weekend was also the start of half term with many families away which could have had an impact.
"There have been a number of comments that the number of market traders was down but in actual fact this was not the case in the main market. I have adapted the mix of traders somewhat, being that demand for certain items is far less on a Sunday than that of a normal 'shopping' Saturday. However this has enabled me to bring new traders on board to give a fresh feel to the event.
"The number of street food vendors has been reduced and again this is in direct response to the demand for street food on a Sunday being much lower than that of a Saturday with 'Sunday lunch in the oven'."
Denise added "Speaking with the market traders some had a really good day trading, many had an OK day and unfortunately a significant proportion are still not seeing sales match the same period last year.
"I am hopeful as ever that as the months pass we will see people's habits changing and Sunday will become as successful as before. We need the shops to open and take advantage of the increased visitor numbers and add to what Wilmslow town has to offer on market day."
Cllr Keith Purdom, Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council, spoke about the Artisan Market at their monthly meeting on Monday, 17th February.
He said "I really echo the plea from the Artisan Market organisers to people to support it, I don't think we're in danger of losing it, or at least not for some time, so really it is a question of people supporting it.
"I would also make a plea to the retailers, we listened to you, we consulted you and you made it very clear you wanted the market on a Sunday - I would love more of the retailers to try it, open on a Sunday and try it."
"My observation was that the shops that were open were getting visitors on Sunday so I would like to think, to paraphrase one of my favourite films, 'open and they will come'."
Mike and Ruth Norbury from Alderley Edge Apiaries have been trading at the market since it started in 2011.
Mike told wilmslow.co.uk "The Artisan Market on Sunday is as successful as it has been on a Saturday for the past couple of years - maybe down a little on footfall, but our takings have been consistent. We are happy to make it work on a Sunday."
Potter Colette Evans, who has been attending the Artisan Market for about 18 months, didn't have a good day trading though. She made only £23.50 so with the pitch costing £45 she was left out of pocket.
Colette said "I also do three other markets and Wilmslow has always been my best market. I had regular customers on the Saturday but some of my more elderly customers told me they would not be able to come on Sundays due to the infrequent bus service and Sunday family commitments."
Colette added "After Sunday I will seriously have to look at the Wilmslow market if this carries on. I have decided to give the Sunday market till May/June to improve.
"Also I did notice the average customer was different. They were Sunday day trippers out just browsing, a lot of children with bikes, scooters with mum, dad and dog passing through to the park or coming back from the park. A definite different clientele. Such a shame Saturdays were bustling, exciting, a beehive of activity with lots of trader and customer banter - asking about the products and interested in their purchase."
Greengrocer Matthew Robertson said "Trade was down between 30 and 40% again unfortunately, which is really disappointing with it now being its 4th month. As a fruit and veg supplier we suffer, as I'm sure others do, with the fact that many people do their weekly shopping on a Saturday so the Sunday market has now turned into a stroll around instead. My preference would be a Saturday as trade was always great along with the atmosphere from the locals and the traders with its vibrancy."
Retailers in the town are also being affected differently by the switch to a Sunday market.
Jane Williams of Hawthorn Deli on Bank Square said "This month there seemed to be a lot more people out and about at the Artisan Market compared to January, which may be down to the good weather.
"In the three months since the market moved to a Sunday we have noticed that the Saturday the day before is much quieter than a normal Saturday, and that the Sunday market days are not as busy as the Saturday market days. We used to trade on the market ourselves and have always been keen supporters of the Artisan Market. We strongly believe that it is a huge asset to Wilmslow and that Denise and Vicky the organisers have done a fantastic job to bring the event to the town.
"Feedback from our customers so far is that there was a much better atmosphere and more of a buzz when the market was held on a Saturday. Our customers have also commented that they, as shoppers and residents of Wilmslow, didn't get an opportunity to take part in the questionnaire that was paid for by the Council to decide whether the market should be moved.
"For us, as with many small family run businesses, Sundays are difficult. Sunday is usually the only day off that we get, and it is very hard working the extra day. For that reason we would prefer that the market is held on a Saturday. However, as supporters of the Artisan market we are committed to opening on market days whether they are on Saturdays or Sundays and we hope that it continues to be a success."
Tate Jones, owner of The Goalpost on Bank Square has been opening for the Sunday markets. He said "The weather was nice, which helped. However, sales were down for us compared to the January market, which wasn't brilliant either. Very few indies and chains were open and we'll probably give it one or two more chances and close on Sunday market day as we'd rather have family time on our only day off.
"I'm convinced over time that the market will switch back to a Saturday - they were excellent days for us. Sales were up between 50-70% than a regular Saturday and just the general vibe in town was great, people came from all over. We want to see Wilmslow bouncing with people on the pavement and in shopping mode. People probably have everything from treats, gifts and food for the weekend by Sunday afternoon; having walked through the market on Sunday it appears to be more people strolling and browsing. Very different to a Saturday. Here's hoping that it will be switched back to a Saturday. "
Jenny Gliksman of Impact on Grove Street, is also now opening for the markets. She said "Although it is not hectic we are happy with the response and we are beginning to see the customers coming in and they are happy we are open. Saturdays have gone back to normal and we are happy to see that. Of course January and February are historically slow months due to the weather and people paying off Christmas. We have run our usual promotional offers and this also has proved successful."
Peter Harrington of Harrington Hallworth said "We are delighted the Artisan Market is working so well on Sundays, customers tell me it is so much more leisurely, and can park for free, we are also delighted that the usual ambience of Saturday trading is restored. Can we dispel the myth Wilmslow is on its knees, I am sorry for the businesses that have failed, or the turnover is not up to their expectation. We are satisfied with our business in Wilmslow, and thank all our loyal local clients for their support , it is quite a special place to trade, and we thoroughly enjoy being here."
Peter added "We have many hidden costs to opening our stores, the high values we carry incur security costs and we must consider the risk to our people. Sunday trading is not something we have considered with the exception of the run up to Christmas, for the convenience of clients. Should the market organisers feel it would be of advantage to have the shops open we would do our very best to support them."
Loose Change Buskers returned to Bank Square this month to entertain people whilst fundraising for Cancer Research UK. Group leader Bernard Dolan said "Sunday works much better than Saturday, causes less disruption to what should be the busiest day for local shops. I'm sure when the weather picks up it will be very successful. Yes it was a little quieter than normal, but that was to be expected, after the weather we have had."
Speaking about future markets Denise Valente said "We are looking at new initiatives to create stronger links with local groups and organisations and local good causes.
"The first will kick off at our next market on 16th March were we will rebrand the event as 'Go Wild Artisan Market' were we will be supporting the 'Go Wild for Lauren Campaign'.
Lauren Wild is a local 13-year-old girl who is currently undergoing treatment for Lymphoma at Manchester Children's Hospital. Lauren has decided, with the help of her family and friends to turn this negative into a huge positive and is aiming to raise £14,000 by her 14th birthday in July at which point she hopes to have also have completed her treatment. The Go Wild Campaign is raising money for Manchester Childrens Hospital and Teenage Cancer Trust who are both supporting Lauren through her treatment.
Lauren recently lost her hair and in true style went out and purchased a fabulous green wig. At the next Wilmslow Artisan Market the Go Wild team will be wearing signature green wigs and generating lots of interest in the campaign. On the day they will be providing balloons, doing face-painting and handing out pins and bands in return for donations from local people.
Share your thoughts on the switch to Sundays for the Artisan Market using the comment box below.
Photo courtesy of Nikki Hill from Bella Wellbeing.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Those of us who sat through the Transitions Wilmslow consultation will remember that each of the groups consulted thought that the market had been one of the major improvements in Wilmslow in recent years. When the Artisan Market eventually folds those who feel that a market doesn't fit the ethos of the town will quietly rub their hands in glee.
In the various surveys about the market, did anyone ask the market traders or visitors what they wanted ? I think the answer is no. They all want a Saturday market and return the to the successful buzzing event all once enjoyed.
Without that, it's quite likely the market will gradually die over the next 6 months and finally close...
I haven't visited since it moved, sorry. I loved it on Saturdays but Sunday isn't a shopping day, not for me at any rate. I'll tell you who would have felt the impact, the lady with the candles (I used to spend £50 at a time there), and the one with teapots, plates and teacups (ditto, I amassed loads).
Still, it beggars belief, right? Three months ago there were calls for the Artisan Market to move because Wilmslow was, wait-for-it, too busy, and now the article speaks of a 'call for more shoppers and retailers' to support the market while all over this very site we are talking about an agonising retail scene. Oh the irony... the irony...
They rushed the decision, blew £4k on pointless research and many failing retailers in Wilmslow still closed in January. Only now the market is threatened too. Absolute genius.
But it does sum up the futility of local councils - they try and appease the noisy minority, even if it is the wrong thing to do.
So now they have to think of something else to get more people into Wilmslow when its shops can be bothered to open up for them. Obviously 10,000 people passing right outside their door once a month is not enough of an incentive. Times must be really tough for them.
Still, they apparently need more "special" shoppers. You know, the ones who like hideously expensive jewelry or overpriced clothes for people of an undetermined age or sex. Also, they must want to shop in peace, dislike crowds or bustle, live locally and not shop on-line either.
Obviously, there are very few of these shoppers in existence and it misses the entire point of retailing ie sell stuff that people will buy, but hey ho, let's put our thinking caps on for them.
Anyone got any ideas......
I know, how about a nice local market.............aaaahh.
I only went to the Artisan Market when I also wanted to shop in normal shops as well.
I was happy to browse and purchase from the Artisan Market, but this was always in addition to my other planned shopping. Unplanned spending, not reducing my spending in 'normal' shops in any way, but I was happy to experiment and support market vendors.
I am not interested in the Artisan Market alone, in other words when the other shops are closed.
So before I would spend money in Wilmslow shops plus some purchases from the Artisan Market on a Saturday.
Now I will go shopping elsewhere on the way to/from work during the week because the attraction of Saturday shopping in Wilmslow has gone, and I won't go to the Artisan Market on Sunday because I think the other shops I want to go to will be closed.
I now have difficulty walking and am very unlikely to venture out 'in case' all the shops I want to go to are not open.
I also like doing my weekend shopping once, on a Saturday preferably.
So that's me - if I'm not representative of the customer base then it's my problem. But if I am then all the retailers in Wilmslow aren't getting my money, and I feel that nobody asked my opinion here.
Grassroots businesses need to be nurtured and protected to have the best chance of survival and the fact that our politicians (including the Chancellor no less!) are unable to appreciate that and offer some degree of support and protection to small business is depressing. I am a Wilmslow resident and we also trade at the market. We will continue to give the event our full support for as long as it remains a profitable one for us but like any business, no matter how passionate we are about what we do, we are not in it for the ride!
Seems a hell of a price to pay (and I'm not talking about the watch).
extend the Artisan Market to 2 days /month eg 1st Sat & 3rd Sun of month, thus building on success of AM. This 'trial' period to run until end of Apr 15.
WTC/CEC could organise a plebiscite (referendum) for Wilmslow electorate at same time as local Govt elections (May 15).
The change to a Sun market was based solely on a professional market research survey of Wilmslow retailers at a cost of £3K, available at http://bit.ly/1msssYX
This £3K public expenditure was criticised by many, but extension to Wilmslow shoppers could have cost £30K+ for MR creditable feedback.
My suggestion allows CEC/WTC to assess residents' opinion at a fraction of the cost.
Perhaps WTC should co-ordinate public events eg Party in the Par ck with AM market dates and temp re-locate market if other events eg Motor Show requires Grove St on same day.
It would also partially address the apparent demise of the weekly Fri Sparrowpit market (Bank SqO)
I am absolutely shocked to find (belatedly, I know) that the Town Council survey consulted Wilmslow retailers only.
Not market customers? How blinkered.
As quoted, we are happy to make the market work for us on a Sunday. However, we much preferred it on a Saturday - not least because our parents could visit the market on the bus. I'm sure this would have been raised as an issue, had the consultant bothered to ask the shoppers for their opinion.
Good point about market prices. I have always enjoyed the quality of the food on offer (don't buy the giftware etc.) but it is a treat and costly. The pizza man with his £2.50 a go topping soon packed in.
Is it not a little premature to judge the success of the move to Sunday when only one post Christmas market had been held. Let's at least wait until a fair comparison can be made.
Sundays are not shopping days and Wilmslow on a Sunday is not a destination like Knutsford - who's market is thriving on a Sunday by the look of it, due to the fact many of the visitors to Tatton Park also go there.
There is an answer that the local community and media can help - create an on-line survey & let the people decide - advertise it in all the media outlets and in the streets and shops get the councils buy in to back the outcome (come on guys) & the best think is its free to do with something like "survey monkey" (Google it) - I will happily set it up for you
OK its a simplistic view, but it is a commercial decision.... Macc appear to be getting the balance right ...Additionally .. Back to Steve Kennedy's previous observations,.... There was a fantastic young guitarist 'knocking out' some great sounds by the Town Hall...and A great Skiffle Band further down the high Street with fresh sounds .. both drawing crowds...,
All contributing to a pleasant experience brightening up a cold grey day ...in Macc of all places !!! So........ If Macc can do something like this well Im sure Wilmslow can develop its arrangements to do better !!