Bilston is a town in the county of West Midlands, situated in the southeastern corner of the City of Wolverhampton.
The market give Bilston Town its strong identity and character, attracting around 9,500 daily visitors. The market creates a thriving, bustling atmosphere for all visitors and has a fantastic range of products available across the 117 outdoor and 88 indoor stalls. Despite the economic downturn and decline in many markets nationally, Bilston Market certainly punches well above its weight with a 100% occupancy in the Indoor Market and a 96% occupancy on the Outdoor Market. Bilston Market is well integrated with the surrounding retail outlets and local community. Improvements to the local and regional transport infrastructure over the past twenty years has had a universally positive impact. The development of the Black Country Route linking to the M6 motorway has made it easier for visitors from more distant points in the Midlands to visit, while a new bus and metro interchange seconds from the market has opened it up to the West Midlands metropolitan area. As well as this people visiting the market by car are able to park for FREE, there is no wonder that Bilston Market is a popular as ever.
The redevelopment of Bliston has integrated the market more closely with the rest of the town’s retail offer. A glazed canopy provides an attractive entrance to the market from the main shopping street and along with the new Market Office, crèche and refurbished toilets, the market has a fresh modern feel. The management are also currently upgrading the electrical works and the air conditioning unit in the Indoor Market.
Although the market has moved with the times, with traders investing heavily in new state-of the- art fixtures and fittings, it has remained loyal to its customer base. It continues to serve the community by delivering good, honest value-for-money trade lines. It really is little wonder that it’s not just members of the local community who return to the market time and time again.
The Indoor Market is famous for its quality meats, fish and vegetable products. More recently, the new in-store bakery has created a buzz in the market and with its range of household products, furniture and electrical goods, the market is well known for the variety of its retail on offer. Customers regularly use the market’s popular café as a place to catch up with family and friends, which adds to the feel of a bustling traditional market.
The last 12 months has seen a huge demand for stalls on the Outdoor and Sunday Market. Boosted by the attractive ‘Incentive Scheme’ the markets are becoming a popular attraction for visitors. If you would like to find out more information about the ‘Incentive Schemes’ do not hesitate to contact the Markets Office. Bilston Market supported ‘Bilston in Bloom’ competition where it successfully secured a Gold Award. Being part of an active local community is something the market traders and markets staff are very passionate about. The Markets Management, Frontline Team and traders pride themselves on their good working relationship. Regular communication means that they work together to create a safe, thriving and inviting atmosphere in Bilston. They are also currently in process of creating a traders forum, which will only continue to make this fantastic market greater.
Bilston Market opens Mondays from 8.00am to 4.30pm; Thursdays from 8.00am to 4.00pm; Fridays and Saturdays from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
If you wish to find out any further information or are interested in either trading on the Outdoor Market or going on to the waiting list for the Indoor Market then you can contact the Markets Office on 01902 556 080 or markets@wolverhampton.gov.uk to receive an application pack.
Carole Walker, Markets General Manager comments:
“Bilston Town has retained its identity as a market town and is steeped in history; the market is the hub of the retail offering with all its colour and charm. It is full of wonderful characters and the atmosphere is vibrant. Many of the traders have been on the market for years and have long established family businesses that flourish; this is down to their hard work and commitment. It is very encouraging to see Bilston Retail Market continue to thrive, thanks to the loyalty of Bilston traders and Bilston people and their love of a bargain“
Editor’s comments:
“Bilston Market is situated in a fantastic place for the community, the bus stop and Metro being right on the door step is a major plus, as well as the FREE car parking of course. All of the aisles as you walk round both the Indoor and Outdoor market are full of people, creating a fantastic atmosphere for both shoppers and traders. There is a wide variety of products on offer, which is topped off by the traders being very friendly and keen to offer advice where needed. A very well run market.”
Telephone 01902 556 080