Open air and traditional Covered Markets expected to see HUGE post pandemic growth.

 

The conditions are now right to see a huge growth in open air markets in the UK.

The Queen's speech included the planning changes from the Government which will change our high streets forever, as developers and builders will now be able to collaborate with commercial property owners and change empty shops and offices into high quality flats and private homes with the minimum of permission from your local authority.

Buying into town centre living has been already sold as a dream by estate agents who will now have a regular supply of property to fill the gap in their portfolios with an advertisable vision backed by Government. We expect to see the current Queen's Speech announcements changed rapidly as Robert Jenrick MP wants to see the large shop windows kept intact; but which Tory doning estate agent would see that as an advertisable feature?

Secondly the pandemic has released a fear of getting too close to people in shops and supermarkets and the daily ramming of dogma by Government into ensuring the separation of people from their fellow’s is well and truly driven home has created another condition to drive open air market growth. The amount of comments on social media about neighbours having been fitted with a reverse gear when getting near in a supermarket is testament to the change in society the Tories love, that of disconnecting communities through their well planned dose of fear fed to you via your tv each night and illustrates that open air markets are possibly the place many will feel secure with and in. 

The third condition is possibly the strongest driver towards the expected growth in open air market trading, that of thousands of talented people from the retail trade being cut off from furlough cash in the near future finding themselves having to live on benefits and handouts. Many will want to use their transferable skills to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads and market trading offers the opportunity to work for themselves rather than compete in a world of diminishing retail job opportunities.

Notes: across Northumberland many markets are run by the County Council here’s the links

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Business/Northumberland-Markets.aspx

https://www.nmtf.co.uk/market-near-me/amble-outdoor-market/