Stall closure is new blow to market hall
JON MACPHERSON
ACCRINGTON Market Hall has been dealt another blow with one of its longest running stalls set to close down.
Tony Heaton has helped run hosiery stall J Heaton & Son for nearly 40 years but will leave the market at the end of May following a decline in trade and footfall.
The family-run business, which also sold bedding up until around 10 years ago, has been supported over the years by Tony’s sister in-law Susan Heaton, his late brother Thomas and younger brother Michael.
It is the latest business to leave the market hall in 2019 following the closures of Jewels & Gems, N & J Footwear and a clothing stall.
Tony, 60, said he was earning less than the minimum wage running the
stall and blamed the change in shopping habits and the move of the bus station for the decline in trade.
He said: “I came here when I was 21 and I’ve seen massive changes. It was really good in those days and for a long time it was buzzing.
“It’s people’s shopping trends. It’s the old phrase ‘use it or lose it’ and there are not enough people who use it any more.
“I did lose customers when the bus station moved. I didn’t see the sense of it.
“I feel sorry for leaving them but we can’t keep losing money. If I get a job with minimum wage then I’ll be making more than I get out of it right now.
“We have been one of the mainstays and longer here than anyone and built up a customer base over years. When we are struggling it says a lot.”
Tony, who lives in Wigan, has thanked the loyal support of his customers over the decades and said he will miss working at the market.
He said: “We’ve known them all for years and it’s sad really.
“It’s not just a job. You get a bond with your customers. You know them personally, they come to you with their troubles and have a chat.
“I don’t really want to go but you’ve no option. It comes a point when it gets to that.”
Tony will also close other stalls at Wigan and Leigh markets this month.
The latest council budget figures show that the Market Hall is making a £110,000 loss compared to its annual budget.