Market Trade News July 21, 2015 0 Comments

Coalville Market has seen some big changes recently, including the money invested by North West Leicestershire District Council to create the new forecourt area outside of the market. But the improvements don’t stop there.

The Coalville Market cafe has long been the social hub of the market, with shoppers and traders choosing to meet there to chat and have a cup of tea for years. The cafe has become increasingly popular following the recent market improvements and the council has invested further to develop an unused outdoor space into a new cafe courtyard and patio area.

The cafe manager, Nicki Worthington, has not only redecorated the interior but now added outdoor tables and chairs to create a new outdoor environment.

Nicki has noticed an increase in business since she began at the market almost a year ago: “We are always friendly and welcoming to customers and as a result it’s gradually getting busier. The outside area brings something new to the cafe and, especially on sunny days, gives customers a choice of where they would like to sit for a cup of tea, snack or lunchtime meal” she said.

Montage - Vintage record trader Joe Millard at Coalville MarketRock-A-Billys sets the trend

The cafe is not the only business flourishing in the market. Joe Millard opened his vintage record and memorabilia stall Rock-A-Billys just over six months ago and has experienced great success.

Joe has gone from a small stall to double the size in a short space of time as his merchandise is in such high demand: “I just listen to what the customers want. When they ask for more LPs I get them, if they ask for CDs I get some in stock, even when they ask for pictures of Elvis, I get them,” said Joe.

 

“It’s all about finding a need. I knew Coalville didn’t really have anywhere to get old records from so I made a place and now I am that place. Selling LPs, CDs, DVDs and music memorabilia is something I love doing and will continue to.”

 

Market continues to attract new traders

On top of developing existing traders and helping them to grow, the market has also attracted new traders like Samuel Bond who is the owner of Soaps and Favours, a family run stall selling soaps made by Samuel’s mother.

Samuel has only recently begun trading at the market:

“I am thoroughly enjoying it. All of the other traders are very friendly and helpful and the customers are fantastic. We have been really well received by customers and traders alike and I am even thinking about booking the stall for an extra day each week.”

The market also recently hosted another Farmers Market at the front of the hall which saw local beer, herbs and vegetables, pies and samosas on sale for shoppers as they made their way round to the sound of New Orleans jazz as a three piece band added an air of summer.

John Richardson, Head of Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council said:
“Coalville Market is going from strength to strength and we still have lots more to do, we have improved the exterior and now we are focussed on improving the interior with lighting and decoration., month by month we are seeing more traders, more shoppers and more quality local produce.”

Coalville Market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information, visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/coalvillemarket