Stallholders say regular Street Market is a success

According to local traders, Hailsham Street Market, organised by Hailsham Forward in partnership with the Town Council, has been a resounding success since opening to the public nearly two years ago.

Around 30 stalls sell a range of locally produced items and unique gifts in Vicarage Field from 9.30am to 3pm every Saturday, except the Farmers’ Market Saturday (which is the 2nd of the month) when it falls on the Thursday.

Stalls selling everything from fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, pies and pasties, crafts and jewellery, cakes, plants and flowers, shabby chic, beauty products and preserves have been drawing bargain hunters into the town and proved a hit with shoppers.

Stallholders are happy with the busy Vicarage Field location and retailers often benefit from the increased number of people visiting the town centre when the market is busy.

Market trader Joan Russell, who set up pitch at the market since its opening in August 2013 selling homemade chutneys said:

“I’m finding the street market of great benefit to me and am building up a good client base for my homemade chutneys, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and vegetarian savoury food items.”

---

Tina Applegate, who sells homemade cards on a regular basis at the market said:

“I do get regular customers at the market and always look forward to selling my cards there.”

---

Alison Ridley, who sells homemade dog biscuits is also pleased with the increase in product sales as a result of taking part in the street market:

“Having traded at the market since its launch, I am delighted to be so well known for my dog biscuits, by owners and dogs alike!

The street market is vibrant, accessible, with a good selection of local small businesses such as myself. I believe it has been highly successful with the local community. It certainly has for Dog Delights.”

---

Stallholder Rob Brambletigh, who sells fresh meat produce at the market said:

“We’re very happy with the street market and being part of it because it’s given us the opportunity to sell our local products to local people. We look forward to attending the next one.”

The continuation of the Hailsham Street Market is just one of a number of projects being carried out by the Hailsham Forward Town Team in partnership with the Town Council and local Chamber of Commerce, aimed at improving retail opportunities locally and increasing footfall within the town.

Deputy Town Clerk and Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira said.

“It’s great news to hear that traders are happy with the market, of which the Town Council has provided funding and manpower support for since its launch in 2013”

“We are on the lookout for more stallholders to add to the already wide selection of vendors selling high quality locally produced items, so please do get in touch with us to book a stall at the next available opportunity.

Many thanks to the residents and visitors who continue to support the market and make it the success it is today.”

Hailsham Street Market has a flexible structure in place to offer opportunities to stallholders who are unable to commit to hiring a stall at every market event. Please call (01323) 841702 or email Michelle Hagger for more details.