LOW PRICES are the bedrock of Queen’s Market and why so many individuals and families need to shop here. SIZE MATTERS. A trader keeps prices low by buying a whole palette wholesale, and passes these savings onto the customer, in the form of cheaper prices. If space were restricted and only small amounts of wholesale goods could be purchased, prices would rise significantly. A palette takes up space, so some traders need a large floor area and enough storage space. Why storage space? A trader sees a wholesale bargain and needs to be able to buy it then and there, but may need to store the goods temporarily before putting them out for sale.
LOW STALL AND SHOP RENTS mean LOW PRICES FOR CUSTOMERS.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out this equation but the Council struggles to do so. Traders have been hit with greedy rent increases that have destabilised them or pushed them out. Much-loved businesses have gone, such as the stationers and furnishing curtain fabric shop. Yet, as shown in the 2011-12 accounts, the market can pay its way and still make a surplus when charging lower, affordable rents.
Customers have told FoQM that Queen’s Market has helped them gain access to fresh affordable food with little need to queue during the hardest times of the recent Coronavirus lockdown.
To promote and preserve a thriving publicly-owned historic street market 