Page 18

MarketTimesFebruary2016

It’s not a picturesque market by any stretch 18 of the imagination — and footfall is nowhere near what it once was. But Sheerness market has a loyal following of locals who are market shoppers by nature and instinct, as well as an influx of summer holidaymakers who enjoy visiting the market. And since the traders took over its running six years ago, the market is on a much sounder footing. Now all they need to do is spread the word about their “great little gaff” and attract more traders and shoppers to a traditional market with a solid core of professional traders. And that is exactly what they are doing, according to Justin Healey, whose marketbased business has a million-pound turnover. Justin has been hooked on market trading since, aged 11, he approached a trader on Herne Bay market and asked if he could help him pack up his van. Thirty-five years on, he now stands four markets, runs a shop in Herne Bay and has several internet businesses including an ebay shop, an Amazon site and his own web-based businesses selling all types of products from toys in the run-up to Christmas to gardening products in the spring and summer. “Like all markets, this used to be really busy,” Justin said. “In those days we didn’t particularly know what we were doing, but you could put out a box of toys and you were sold out in no time. “These days, we know exactly what we are doing, but you have to work really hard to get anywhere near the same result.” Justin rates Sheerness market, mainly because of the loyalty of the locals. Although some of his other markets are busier, he makes more pro rata at Sheerness. “Sheerness is unusual because it is on an island and up to 12 years ago when the new bridge was built, it was like stepping back in time,” he said. Even today you meet some older people who have never been off the island, traders say. A year ago Neats Court, an out-of-town shopping centre, opened on the island, with big brands, and there was much talk about how this would change shopping trends and whether it would affect the market. But the locals have remained loyal and now several of the more active traders are stepping up to the mark to try to drum up more support for the market. Originally by the sea wall, the market moved to the Rose Street car park 25 years ago. Then when the car park was halved in size the market shrunk accordingly. These days between 20 and 25 traders set up stall on the car park every Thursday and Saturday, but there is room for more and there are obvious gaps, particularly in food lines. Although supported by Swale Borough Council, Sheerness market was previously run by private operators until the traders formed a co-operative and took over its running six years ago. And thereby hangs a tale. Ros Prince, who sells underwear and socks on the market and is secretary of the traders cooperative, explained that the last private operator left the scene without warning. “The traders all got a phone call telling us not to turn up the next market day as it wouldn’t be on,” she said. “Naturally we all turned up very worried, and fortunately for us the council stepped in and were very helpful Justin Healey has a flourishing business selling a range of goods from toys and Christmas items in the run up to Christmas to gardening items in the spring and summer Bob Barranch has a loyal following for his grocery goods after 30 years standing Sheerness market Ros Prince, who sells underwear on the market, is secretary of the traders co-operative that has been running Sheerness market for the past six years


MarketTimesFebruary2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above