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Centrespread: Markets in fashion
by David Henry14/ 4/2005
SEVERAL years ago, it seemed markets were in terminal
decline.
Shopping habits changed, and people began to favour large
supermarkets and out-of-town retail centres. It looked like
traditional markets wouldn't last long in the modern consumer
age.
Markets were seen as cheap and tatty, and shoppers opted for the
convenience and choice offered elsewhere.
But recently the situation has changed. Whether it is due to
nostalgia for a dying age or a growing dislike of the dominance of
supermarkets, traditional markets are suddenly in favour
again.
In Stockport the town's market is thriving thanks to a recent
revamp and a new food hall, which sells fresh produce and
specialist foods from local, independent suppliers.
In Altrincham, redevelopment plans for the town's historic market
are currently being looked at, after years of neglect. And in
Manchester too, markets have made a major comeback, with a series
of specialist markets now held throughout the year.
This weekend another new market will be launched in the city
centre. Traders will set up their stalls at the Manchester Fashion
Market for the first time tomorrow (Saturday) in Tib Street in the
Northern Quarter. This latest addition to the growing rolling
roster of markets in Manchester will be the first dedicated fashion
market in the north west.
Mark Legomski is the commercial retail manager for Manchester
Markets. He says markets have changed and that's why they are back
in fashion. "Markets today are some what different to how they used
to be. They are more upmarket and offer slightly different goods,"
he says.
"It's not hard to see why they are popular. Generally, they sell
locally produced goods, at a reasonable rate, supplied by
independent specialists."
It is a trend that will continue with the fashion market. The aim
is to give up-and-coming designers a leg up on the retail ladder.
Clothes, bags, hats, and jewellery will be on sale, with an
emphasis on creativity. All the labels will be independent, giving
customers the chance to buy one-off designs at reasonable prices,
while supporting fledging talent.
Emma Smalley runs one of the stalls on the new market. She and her
partner run Temporary Measure, a small fashion design company. She
says: "Manchester's markets are an ideal place for us to sell as we
build up our client base. The fashion market is a great idea and it
will be somewhere to buy stuff that you can't anywhere else."
It is this unique quality that is driving the new success of
markets across Greater Manchester. Today markets sell high-quality
goods that you don't find at the supermarket giants or high street
chain stores.
Mark Legomski says: "Markets bring a uniqueness to Manchester's
streets. They sell goods that aren't available anywhere
else."
Manchester Markets runs several major markets throughout the year,
including the Christmas markets and the European markets, and more
regularly the French, farmers', and flowers markets, all held in
the city centre.
"Markets bring a vibrancy and an atmosphere that draws people in,"
says Mark. "They are great places to shop. And it's fun to browse
around a market too.
"We'd like to hold more because they are very popular with the
public and if you look at other cities, markets really help to
bring people in. We are open to ways of expanding markets in
Manchester."
One possibility being considered is establishing a permanent market
area, similar to the one in Covent Garden in London, proving just
how far markets have come in recent years.
Manchester has a range of different specialist markets.
Manchester fashion market: Starts tomorrow (Saturday) and will be a
weekly fixture every Saturday from 10am until 5pm on Tib Street in
the Northern Quarter. So if you haven't got a stitch to wear and
are looking for individual pieces, using high-quality materials, at
affordable prices, this is the place for you.
Manchester farmers' market: Attended by the farmers themselves,
this is a market for the discerning customer who wants to know
where, when, and how their food has been produced.
Twenty-two stalls offering fresh vegetables, meats, and a range of
dairy produce from some of the North West's best farmers.
The market is held the weekend (Friday and Saturday) of the second
and fourth Saturday of each month. It is open between 8.30am until
6pm and takes place in Piccadilly Gardens, next to the statue of
Queen Victoria.
Flower market: Bringing a burst of colour to the city centre, the
market reflects a mix of customers' needs with cut flowers, potted
plants, and even bonsai trees. With a range of accessories and a
selection of blooms from all over the world, this is a real treat
for shoppers and flower-lovers.
The market is held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, opening
between 10am and 6pm in Piccadilly Gardens.
French market: Enjoy a taste of France thanks to this market,
offering Gallic treats from across the Channel. It is
foodie-heaven, with cheeses, breads, pastries, and smoked meats
galore. And there's plenty of wine to wash it all down with. The
market is run in partnership with Delicacies de Champagne and close
attention is paid to providing high quality goods in accordance
with French traditions.
The market is held the weekend (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) on
the first Saturday of the month. It is open between 10am and 6pm in
Piccadilly Gardens.
Now you can bag yourself something trendy from Claire
CLAIRE Foster designs and makes by hand a range of garments,
bags, and jewellery from her home in Chorlton.
She is one of the young, local designers who will have a stall on
the new Manchester fashion narket.
For Claire, who is just starting out in the industry, the
opportunity to sell her designs in the city centre is
priceless.
She says: "There's no way I could afford to set up my own shop, but
being able to sell on a stall in such a central location,
surrounded by lots of other great designers is a fantastic
opportunity for me."
Claire, 25, trained as a fashion designer in Birmingham and has
been working from her home in Chorlton for the last year. She
supplies a number of shops across the country and takes orders
direct from customers. She hopes to have her own store eventually
but at the moment is delighted to be going onto the market.
She designs her entire range herself and makes it in her flat. She
specialises in vintage women's wear, describing her style as
feminine. She makes a range of dresses and skirts, as well as other
garments and accessories. And she only makes small runs of every
line so customers know they are getting something that is
unique.
She tries to use natural fabrics in her garments and for her
jewellery picks up material from flea markets.
"Going onto the market is perfect for me because I can meet my
customers and take orders from people direct," she says. "There is
a good design scene around Manchester and this new market is really
going to help people like me who are just starting.
"People will be able to see the advantage of buying unique items
from local designers."
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