‘IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK AT MARKET!’
Hinde Street return for bargain hunters
TRADERS and shoppers have welcomed the return of Hanley’s popular Sunday market.
The market and car boot sale returned to the Hinde Street car park last month and was bustling with shoppers looking to snap up a bargain on Sunday.
Traders welcomed the chance to be back selling goods and shoppers were pleased to be back enjoying the market atmosphere.
Susan Dawson, aged 68, who was selling goods to raise money for animal charity the PDSA, said: “The lockdown was awful and I am glad the market is back up and running. It is nice just to get out on a Sunday.”
Costa Constantine, aged 47, of Stoke, who was selling jewellery and clothes, said: “There are plenty of people around. It is a lot busier this week than last week.”
Jasmine Smith, aged 24, of Fenton, who was selling children’s clothes, shoes, garden furniture and household items, said: “Trade is busy enough. I think everyone has just been waiting for it to come back. They all like a bargain.” John Hallam, aged 55, of Trent Vale, said: “It has been a nightmare 12 months. Trade is brilliant. It is good to be back interacting with the customers.”
Fellow trader Paul Edwards, aged 68, of Bucknall, added: “You can have a laugh up here. It is not very often you get grumpy people.”
Shoppers were also enjoying the market atmosphere.
Chris Turner, aged 38, of Milton, said: “I like coming to have a look around and see what is on offer.”
Sarah Johnson, aged 41, of Crewe, said: “It is my first visit and I am very impressed.”
Bob Forrest, aged 58, of Sneyd Green, said: “I am pleased the market is back. I used to come every week.”
Zbigniew Krasuski, aged 50, of Bentilee, said: “I am happy. It was a long time shut. It is good to try and find a bargain and meet people.”
Pensioner Melvyn Wood, aged 76, of Blurton, said: “I have been stuck in for 14 months. It is nice just to get out. I come here every Sunday. I have a good look around and try and find a few bargains every time.”
Market organiser Sandy Hulstone MBE said it was ‘great to be back’. The 78-year-old, of Bradwell, said: “You get some real characters here. Car boot sales are needed.”
Keith Jones, aged 65, of Dresden, who has worked for Sandy for 35 years, added: “People have been stopping me and also ringing up asking when it is back on.”
The market is held every Sunday from 8am.