14,000 people attend local artisan markets

14,000 people attend local artisan markets

14 November 2018

THE major success of artisan markets in Downpatrick and Newcastle is paving the way for them to become permanent fixtures on the district’s retail calendar.

Recent figures released by Newry, Mourne and Down Council have revealed the markets have been a stunning success, with almost 13,700 people attending them between April and October.

Just over 8,330 shoppers have visited the Downpatrick market based at the Down County Museum’s courtyard, with the visitor figures for its sister operation in Newcastle located at Central Promenade, a reported 5,350.

On Monday night, councillors agreed to continue with the monthly markets in two of the district’s main towns until the end of the financial year, with many confident the markets are here to stay.

The Downpatrick market is delivered by the town’s Community Collective, while the Unit T organisation is responsible for the Newcastle market, with council officials confirming both operations have resulted in increased footfall in both towns, boosting retail trade.

Updated visitor figures were confirmed at Monday night’s of the local authority’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee.

The monthly markets are open to farmers, craft makers and local food producers, with seven held in Downpatrick and six in Newcastle to date.

Council officials confirmed on Monday night that the feedback from the opening of the markets has been extremely positive, explaining visitor figures for Newcastle are estimated as the market is located on the main footpath outside the resort’s leisure centre.

They say the estimated visitor figures have been provided by traders and the number of visitors to the Newcastle Centre on market days. Councillors were told the figures for the Downpatrick market are accurate.

Council officials have revealed that stall holders in both towns were asked to complete a satisfaction survey and were happy with the footfall.

It was also confirmed on Monday night that traders were returning each month and, most significantly, there was a waiting list for pitches.

“This clearly demonstrates that the traders are benefiting economically from participating in the markets,” an official told the meeting.

“Consultation with staff at the Down Museum and Newcastle Centre indicates that visitor numbers in Downpatrick and Newcastle significantly increases on market days,” he continued.

“The manager of the tearooms at the museum has seen visitor numbers and takings increase three fold on market day as opposed to other Saturdays in the month.”

Council officials say they have also visited businesses in the vicinity of the markets to ensure there is no detrimental impact on trade.

They add: “The feedback is extremely positive with traders seeing an increase in footfall to their shops on market days.

“Surveys undertaken with visitors to the markets and social media articles relating to the markets also demonstrate a high level of satisfaction, with the markets acting as a draw for visitors.”

A formal agreement to deliver future markets in both towns will now be signed between the local council and the organisers of both who will be responsible for taking them forward. Politicians are also delighted the markets are attracting additional shoppers to both towns.