Independent stores are said to be outperforming major retailers on UK high streets – great news for Derby’s rich mix of local independent stores!
New research, by Consumer group Which? has revealed that markets are up 52% in towns and cities compared with 2014 – one of the few business areas classed as retail in the top 10 best performing sectors. Hair salons and tattoo parlours came out on top as stores which are thriving, while the number of independent cafes, snack bars and tea rooms went up by a whopping 35%.
In Derby city centre, we’re lucky enough to have our own Market Hall, full of independent traders like Frothy Coffee, Dragon’s Lair, SJ Lewin Butchers, and loads more.
The Grade II listed building opened to the public in 1866, and is currently undergoing a huge transformation, as work continues to turn it into a modern, vibrant and bustling market, with plans to transform the market making up part of the City Centre Masterplan.
Councillor Mick Barker, Cabinet Member for Governance and Licensing said:
It’s good to see markets given some deserved recognition. They’re a vital part of our retail offer, and provide not only a huge range of product choice, but also a social environment in which customers and traders thrive. Some of the businesses that sell from the Market Hall have traded for many generations – it’s not just business for them, it’s personal, and that’s unique. We have a passionate and dedicated Markets service working hard to reinvigorate the Market Hall, and research like this proves that we’re investing our resources in the right place. We want to be operating commercially successful and community focussed markets for our residents and our many visitors to enjoy.
Interested in becoming a trader?
If you’d like to apply for a stall, we have some stalls still available on competitive rents with discounts on rent for new traders.
You can email us and we will send you details and an application form.