‘Lockdown could be the end of the market and retail in general’
TRADERS FEAR FOR THE FUTURE OF CITY’S HISTORIC SHOPPING ARCADE
TRADERS fear for the future of Nottingham’s historic Victoria Market as the country heads into a second national lockdown.
A number of stores in the historic arcade, which has been home to independent businesses since 1971, will have to close as part of the Covid-19 lockdown.
But a few will still be able to keep selling as they are deemed essential retailers.
Sandra Handley and Will Swift own the Madhouse Nut Centre which can stay open and Madhouse Cards which has to close.
The nut stall sells a variety of foods including nuts, dried fruit, rice, flour, lentils, herbs and spices.
Will says the market has not seen a normal day’s trading since the middle of March before the first lockdown due to various restrictions in place.
“Footfall has been down by around 85 to 95 percent throughout this,” he told the Post.
“It’s been a complete nightmare for businesses here.
“We’re lucky to still be in business from all this. So many stalls have had to pack it in for good here.
“Lockdown could be the end for the market and for [high street] retail in general.”
“This is our busiest time of the year so it’s so important we stay open,” Sandra added.
“The Victoria Centre market will remain open 9-5 Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays for essential traders.
“It’s so important remember we are here.
“It has been difficult for everyone here.”
Following the Government announcement, a new national lockdown came into force from yesterday (November 5), until at least December 2.
Non-essential retail, bars, restaurants, cafés and leisure services will have to close their doors.
Sharon Manning runs the Aladdin’s Cave stall with her partner and was grateful to be staying open.
The business sells a range of products including hardware, kitchenware and cleaning prodpeople ucts. It is deemed essential and so can continue trading.
She said: “We’re pleased we have the opportunity to be open this time, we didn’t have that before and had to close down.
“We’ll have to see if we can make it work in lockdown depending on how busy it is.”
Mary Kilman, 60, was shopping in the market and said: “I like helping smaller businesses here. The market has some great people. I will keep supporting them where I can.
“A lot of them have left, so it’s a really worrying time for businesses at the minute.”
For a comprehensive list of which shops and businesses based within Nottingham’s Victoria Centre will remain open to customers during lockdown visit Nottinghampost.com.