Your Market Needs You!

Despite the refurbishment of the Market Hall taking longer than expected, Glossop still offers a traditional market shopping experience, courtesy of the outdoor traders.

Housed in cosy wooden cabins there are currently 13 regular stalls, including pet supplies, clothes, fresh produce, unique homewares and handmade gifts, with trading open from 9am to 4pm Friday and Saturday. 

A larger pop-up market takes place every third weekend of the month, and local small business owners are invited to secure their spot for just £10, in a bid to provide even more variety for shoppers. Bea from Art by Bea Creations told us “Here in the market you will always find something a little bit different, it’s a real treasure trove. It’s a very affordable way for local businesses to sell their products. Having a permanent stall here has been a game changer for my business.” 

During our visit we met Harry, a loyal customer who visits Mark’s Fresh Fish every week. He told us “Glossop Outdoor Market is the heart of the community. It’s tragic that the Indoor Market has been closed for so long, but these traders are doing their best to keep it going. Come rain or shine they are here.”   

Michelle from Michelle’s Den, which sells nightwear, underwear and accessories, told us “I’ve been part of the market for 25 years. It’s hard now we only have the outdoor as we don’t get the same amount of footfall. It’s a real shame as we’ve got a lovely community of traders here. Our regular customers tell us that they love the wooden cabins and the old-fashioned feel of the cobbles, it’s just that not enough people know we are still here.” 

This sentiment was echoed by Gaynor who trades as Gaeowyn the Crafty Witch, selling crystals, aromatherapy oils, and handmade magical treasures. She explained “I’ve been here for eight years and things have gone a lot slower as people are buying more online, especially the younger generation. I handmake most of my products and I want people to be able to hold things in their hands and decide that they like it before buying, rather than getting it in the post and it not being quite what they are looking for. As independent traders, if we haven’t got exactly what the customer wants we can make it for them to collect the next week, and we can personalise things.”   

“Being on the market also means that you get to know your customers. People come and chat to us about all sorts of things and become friends, you don’t get that in a large retail store. The market is such a different experience.” 

Andrea from The Little Saddleworth Pie Company agrees “Markets are dwindling rapidly and it’s a real shame. We need to get back to the grass roots, as markets are more personal, offering genuine homemade goods and are full of bargains.” 

With a pay and display car right next door, and a public toilet, the market provides all the necessary facilities. Not forgetting the excellent value for money Market Café which serves both hot and cold food including a full breakfast fry-up, burgers, toasties and more. There is everything you need for a perfect day out. 

With no definitive date given for when the Market Hall will be ready, it would be a shame if Glossop lost its historical market due to a lack of shoppers. All of the traders that we spoke to said the same thing, that they massively appreciate the support shown by the community and want to encourage people who had never visited before to come along to their special Mother’s Day Market on Saturday 29th March.   

For more details about everything the Outdoor Market offers, search for their Facebook Page ‘Glossop Market’.