Markets will be at the heart of recovery according to the national body that represents the sector across the UK.
The Chief Executive of NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities), David Preston, says that markets can be the new saviour of our high streets as we begin the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
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Markets were the original seed of the high streets we see today and the recent crisis has seen people re-evaluate their shopping habits and their increasing desire for local, fresh produce and expert advice has demonstrated the real importance of markets as part of local communities.
Talking at the beginning of a new campaign “My Market” to bring markets back to the centre of a “real” shopping experience, David explained:
“Markets have been the beating heart of communities for centuries and the recent pandemic has seen people understand their real value.
“With fresh, local produce and consumers become increasingly interested in the provenance of their food and the welfare of animals, markets are at the forefront, but markets are reinventing themselves to meet consumer expectations.
“They are the perfect place to trial a new business idea or product, with little capital commitment and the ability to expand and diversify. We have seen an explosion in innovation with more market traders now accepting orders online, click and collect services and local and even international delivery.
“As community spirit has been rekindled during the coronavirus crisis, it has shown there is a growing interest and value placed in local producers, personal service and positive shopping experiences.
“Customers using markets during the pandemic have universally praised the experience. They have enjoyed shopping at open air markets and have rediscovered that the added value of using markets makes sense for their local economy. It has been wonderful to see the delight of customers as they rediscover food that has been picked from the field that morning or fish that has come directly from the local docks earlier that day.”
“Markets could once again be the seed of a revolution in shopping across the UK.”
The “My Market” campaign is officially launched on Monday 22 June 2020 and is expected to run right through 2021. Its aim is to welcome back customers to markets and reemphasise their importance for our cities, towns and villages with community at its heart.
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