A) The current success enjoyed by many markets stems in part from the introduction of specialist markets. This area of rapid growth has not had a negative effect on more traditional markets, as could be expected, but has helped to raise customer awareness and interest in this method of shopping.

 

We hold a Farmers' Market in Nantwich on the last Saturday of every month. We may soon introduce one in Crewe also.

 

We regulate these closely, to ensure:

The Council also runs a Food Festival in Nantwich every September, focusing on local produce.

 

Traditional markets have responded to the growth in the sector with a move to modernise and build upon the upsurge in interest. Customers are conventionally seen as elderly or in a lower income bracket. In recent years there has been a rise in interest from higher income and younger customer groups. We are trying to capitalise on this by improving the surroundings, investing in facilities and providing entertainment and refreshments.

 

Industry initiatives such as the development of the Charter Mark have contributed to customer confidence and media interest in the "metric martyrs" and initiatives such as Fruit for Schools have also raised the sector profile. The introduction of a Charter Mark by the National Market Traders' Federation has gone some way to developing a quality customer service and to dispelling negative views about the market trade sector.

 

Useful contacts for trade specific market research include:

 

---