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13th - 27th May Ray Robins, left, and Matthew Jones
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ELCOME to our Love Your Local Market supplement – devoted to supporting Plymouth City Market in a fortnight of celebrating everything we treasure about market culture. The market has been a cornerstone of Plymouth for generations and today it is thriving more than ever – bursting at full capacity offering shoppers a diverse and exciting range of products. Over the next two weeks the market will be showing off what it does best – being a hub of activity that gives the good people of Plymouth a place to shop but also to socialise, meet up with freinds and catch up on some gossip.
The highlight of the Love Your Local Market fortnight will be a free Family Fun Day on Saturday May 23, when the market will be jam packed with live music, face painting, magic and lots of activities. Ray Robins, Chair of Plymouth City Market Traders said: “Love Your Local Market fortnight is a fabulous chance for people to reacquaint themselves with the lively atmosphere and superb variety of goods and services available in Plymouth’s City Market. “The Market is vibrant and full, with great well-established traders as well as new businesses with masses of new ideas. It’s always worth exploring,
whether you visit regularly or haven’t had the chance to browse for a while. “Come and see us, a warm welcome awaits you!” Market Manager Matthew Jones said: “This is the third year of Love Your Local Market and Plymouth City Market is joining the 1,000 markets nationwide in celebrating the importance of markets in the community. Markets bring people together and provide a great place to shop, eat and grab a bargain. “We’re really looking forward to a great day on May 23 with traders, shoppers and visitors alike.”
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and how it’s evolving A market at the heart of community
Plymouth City Market has been a local shopping staple for generations, and brings bargain hunters together in the same fun and friendly way it has always done. But, as Patrick Daly discovered, the much-loved market is attracting a new breed of shopper, with its incredibly diverse range of stalls and shops
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HOSE who haven’t been to the City Market for a while might be pleasantly surprised by what they find. Queues of people wait for seats outside the Thai food stall, students browse for bargains, cheese connoisseurs nibble on local cheddar and old friends enjoy a natter in some of the many cafes. With this scene, and the news that the market is 100 per occupied for the first time in at least 25 years, the rumours surrounding the death of the high street seem to have been greatly exaggerated. Jess Trevarthen, a 20-year-old taking a year-out from studies, was in the market shopping on Thursday afternoon. She said her and friends all take a trip to the market – a favourite of Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud thanks to its pillar-free, unsupported structure – whenever they go to town. Jess’ work with Stage Stars in the city means she often visits to seek out cheap materials amongst the 150 stalls for costumes – but ends up leaving with a whole lot more. “I have come to get some materials today but I always end up getting lots of other things as the market is so good. I have no qualms in saying my favourite stall is the pick and mix,” said the Glenholt resident. “I love the prices and the mix of shops. The traders are really friendly and helpful and go out of their way to help you. You get to know them so you go back again next time.” Adam Fielder comes from a family who has worked in the market since it opened in 1959. He worked on his grandparents’ and parents’ book stall for 16 years before setting up his own clothing company called Slippers. He said learning to diversify was key to longevity. “We offer product knowledge and a personal service,” said Mr Fielder.
“We moved into construction style clothing, selling things like hi-viz jackets. That really pushed us on and stifled the blow of the recession.” Mr Fielder added: “I think the people of Plymouth still love their market. There are a lot of people that want to start their own business and that can only be a good thing. There is nothing like being your own boss.” Shabby chic stall Drab to Fab recently took up a stall in the market, bringing even more Va Va Voom with them.They took the plunge after finding their business, which includes giving new life to old furniture, took-off online.” Our experience has been great here and we are really happy with how well we have done,” said co-partner Jodie Langworthy. “It is reasonable rent here. You can afford to take a gamble on a stall. “We get so many people complimenting us on how our stall is presented and on our floral wallpaper. I think that is really important. Getting everyone to think about the presentation of their stalls could have a huge affect on the market.” Some stalls in the market are not even about making a profit. Fairport, a cooperative business, sells vegan-friendly and gluten-free food and household goods which are free of animal testing. None of the three company directors take a wage or make a profit from the company while volunteers man the stall. Cait Leeke said she volunteers because she believes in what the store is offering. “You might find a similar area in a supermarket but it is only ever a small section,” she explained. “I believe in what the company stands for and I think that it is the same for everyone who works here. “Trade can be slow and it has had its ups and downs but I don’t think people realise we are here,” she continued.
Shopper Jess Trevarthen browses for bargains
“But once they do, we get a lot of return customers especially those that find it hard to get decently priced gluten-free products. We can keep the prices down because the rents are low and we do not have high profit margins on items.” Even with the market full to capacity with traders, some shoppers still feel more could be done to support the listed 1950s outlet. Amanda Print has shopped and even worked in the market over the last 30 years. The Southway resident, whose daughter now works on one of the fruit and vegetable stalls, said the West End needed new impetus. “The market is not as busy as it used to be, what with Drake Circus being built. It is killing this end of town,” she said. “We need regeneration to help move businesses to this part of town. We need money to help with business rates and whatever else it takes to get people down here.” Councillor Mark Lowry, responsible for the city’s finances, told Mrs Print that the redevelopment of Colin Campbell Court and further investment in the market was a priority for Plymouth City Council. “No council has invested in the market to the degree they needed to and now we need to start,” he said, during a walk round the market on Thursday . He said he felt Janners had “forgotten” just how good the market was. “The market is an important asset to the city and one that perhaps we have not recognised for a while,” he said. “People have forgotten just how great it is and the quality of the products on offer. This is local traders selling local products to local people. “We hope to make future announcements in the coming months about its regeneration.” Matt Jones, market manager, said one change he plans on making is getting rid of the “day stalls” in the market to make way for more long-term leases, a move Ray Robins, who represents market traders, agreed with. “We used to have the ‘badland farmers’, who would put everything they had grown in the back of their cars, and they would be queuing up on a Saturday for day benches from 6am,” said Mr Robins. “But those days have gone. There will still be ‘day barrels’ we can push around if people do want to try it out for a day.” And Mr Robins, who runs Robins & Moore jewellers in Cornwall Street, said people should give the market a second look. “What people have got to do is give it a chance,” he said. “The market, in some people’s eyes, still has a ‘Del Boy’ reputation. But if you do not know your business and provide a perfect service with the right prices, then you won’t last 35 years like some of the traders down here have. “To have battled the recession and the rise of internet shopping like they have, you have to be some kind of retail guru.”
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A warm welcome awaits at Plymouth City Market
investing in the future
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Clothes from the market’s Vintage & Retro, modelled for a Herald fashion shoot last year
Richard Lipinski from Richie’s Sport
early £4 million of investment for the West End and the city market was unveiled as part of the council budget earlier this year - signalling support for one of the city centre’s most popular places to shop. And another £400,000 was set aside to fund shop front clean-ups, with retailers able to bid for cash for new shop signs and wash-downs, making their properties more attractive. Councillor Mark Lowry, the city’s finance chief, said the money would allow Plymothians to continue to shop in “one of the country’s busiest indoor markets for years to come”. Traders welcomed the influx of money saying it would help cement the future of the independent shopping quarter. The market cash will be used to replace the floor and the drain pipes, redecorate, and refurbish the roof, while re-cladding the building inside and out. Cllr Lowry said the money had come from selling off land which was “doing nothing and costing the council money” and thanks to “substantial capital receipts” from housing developments built on the land as a consequence. “The market employs 200 people and
gives an opportunity for people to try out their capabilities for setting up their own business,” said Cllr Lowry. “It is a Grade II listed building and one of the busiest and most successful indoor markets in the country and is a magnet for the West End with people coming to buy local produce from traders. “We need to support these traders and put our money where our mouth is so people can continue to shop there for years to come.” He said cleaning up some of the shops would help lift the “grubby” image some Plymothians had of the West End and remind them of the “fantastic offer” available in the lower end of the city centre. Chairman of the city centre company, Doug Fletcher, said the money would help realise the plan to keep the city centre as Plymouth’s premier retail destination. “This is absolutely fantastic news and shows the city council’s commitment to see the city centre regenerated and revived,” he said. “Our business plan includes marketing the market as a central piece of the West End and in order to do that, we do need some capital to put into it.” Mr Fletcher said he hoped small and independent business owners would
take up the opportunity to apply for the shop front clean-up money. Ray Robins, chairman of the city market traders association, assured that market management would try and keep disruption “to an absolute minimum” during what will be extensive refurbishment work. “The market is an important anchor to this part of town,” said the co-owner of Robins & Moore Jewellers. “Without the market being here, there would be a massive void. It helps link the city together. “This investment will regenerate the market even more and secure its success for the future. “We will be trying to keep disruption to an absolute minimum as we don’t want to disrupt trade, but we all know you can’t make an omelette without cracking a few eggs.” The city market was built between 1957 and 1959 and made out of reinforced concrete. Designed by Plymouth architects Walls Pearn, the structure has won accolades from modern urban designers, including from Grand Design’s presenter Kevin McCloud, for its free-standing curved roof. It currently enjoys a 100 per cent occupancy rate.
Shopper Amanda Print talks with Councillor Mark Lowry
Market traders Heidi and Adam Fielder from Slippers
ODAY sees the launch of a nationwide celebration of stalls and markets in your local area in which market goers might be able to grab a few freebies and a fabulous array of entertainment. Love Your Local Market, a campaign started in 2012, is a two-week event which aims to remind the most stylish of shoppers to embrace the quirky and individual traders we have right on our doorstep. Plymouth City Market, the city’s secret treasure trove, is steeped in a wealth of choice provided by local innovative entrepreneurs who are hands on and passionate about their products. For example Plymouth’s very own Chris Dawson, who now owns over 100 stores with leisure retail chain The Range, originally started out with a stall on Plymouth City Market. On Saturday May 23, Plymouth City Market will be holding a whole day of free festivities to encourage local people to use the market. In addition to bringing ten stall holders to Place De Brest for customers to sample, there will also be 200 free tote bags for the first attendees to the market at 10am. If that isn’t enough, there will also be some exclusive appearances from loved magician Billy Whizz and the gorgeous Disney Princesses from Upon a Wish. Matthew Jones, the Market Manager, is thrilled that Plymouth is able to take part in such an important local event. He said: “This is the third year of Love Your Local Market in Plymouth as it highlights the importance of all the markets, a place where anybody can take an idea and develop it. “The market used to be about growing your own vegetables, bringing it to the market and selling it however due to chain supermarkets that has changed. The market is a place for budding entrepreneurs. “Markets are community driven, we employ local people and they then employ local people. So even if you only spend £1 in the market, that money is going straight back into the stall traders pocket and therefore it’s staying in Plymouth. “This also means that stall holders are more likely to provide better customer service and a better experience. These are people who are truly passionate about what they do or are specialists in the field. In the market you’re not told what you buy, unlike chains – for example if a button falls off your coat, you can buy one in the market rather than a multi pack from a superstore.” Ray Robins, Chair of Plymouth City Market Traders added: “Love Your Local Market fortnight is a fabulous chance for people to reacquaint themselves with the lively atmosphere and superb variety of goods and services available in Plymouth’s City Market. The Market is vibrant and full, with great well-established traders as well as new businesses with masses of new ideas. It’s always worth exploring, whether you visit regularly or haven’t had the chance to browse for a while. Come and see us, a warm welcome awaits you!"
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Why we love the market
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Delicious, diverse and all from just down the road Plymouth is renowned for some fantastic places to get your grub - but with Plymouth City Market you’re absolutely spoilt for choice and it’s all within mere steps of each other. Carly Squires treats herself
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f you’re sick of being surrounded by American global food chains, the market is the perfect avenue for you to sample authentic food from other cultures. From African to Thai, the opportunity is available is to embrace yourself not only in another culture, but also the colourful surroundings of the market. The sights and smells whether its a beautiful curry, a traditional pasty or the vibrant colours of the fruit and veg stalls - are enough to make your mouth water and get your culinary juices flowing. In an age of horse meat scandals and GM crops, it’s also worth knowing about the fresh food available at the market. With anything from fruit and veg to fresh fish to butchers, you are able to meet the faces behind the food. For a personal touch to your caffeine in the morning or for a freshly baked treat, there are also a great deal of stalls that provide snacks and beverages. There are also a fantastic selection of local cafe’s upstairs which allow you to sit back, relax and watch Plymouth go by.
Fairport
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airport is a hive of activity for shoppers who seek to discover where their products come from and how they were made. Although Fairport does not sell 100 per cent Fair trade they do believe that they strive to be as ethical as possible - even down to selling house hold products that haven't been tested on animals. Marc Gardiner is the co-founder of the social enterprise and believes that consumers have a choice to shop ethically, they just need to stop buying something else first. He says: “Consumer capitalism encourages everyone to spend everything they have and buy what they don’t have. It creates a sense of anxiety that people constantly have to get something else. “People have to realise to distance themselves from that and by not buying everything they can afford to buy Fair trade products.” At Fairport you can pick up everything from shampoo, soap, bread, chutneys, cheese, vegetarian goods and much much more. Fairport was originally launched in the spring of 2013 with just one stall two days a week at the weekends, then in May the team went full-time and had one stall in the market. Since then they have grown again and now own two stalls in Plymouth City Market. Their key aim is to lead discussion and debate on issues of global social justice, as well as offering market shoppers high-end, well thought out products. ■ Find them on stalls 99 -100 inside Plymouth City Market.
The Sweet Box
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HAT could be better than working in a sweet shop? Well, owning one! Pete Smith had already been working on the traditional sweet and confectionery stall for a year when the previous owners offered him the opportunity to buy the business. Now at the age of 19, Pete has owned The Sweet Box for two years. “It is nice interacting with people and getting to know my customers. I have people that return and ask for ‘the usual’ and go away happy as Larry.” Most teenagers get a hard time, but it is difficult to find fault with Pete’s work ethic in order to provide the perfect treat for Plymouth customers. “I’ve really been learning the business as time has gone on. It’s ruined my social life but I have banter with everybody in the market. You have to when you work six days a week!” Quality is also a top priority for the young businessman, “Most pick and mix stands stand alone from any staff members so you don’t know who’s touched the sweets before you get there.” Pete explains, “We have a five star hygiene rating here, we have protection over the sweets and we keep an eye on them. I try and test every sweet before I sell them!” So, not a bad job then? “I do enjoy it and have a right laugh!” ■ Find them on stall 79 in Plymouth City Market.
Market Garden Fruit and Veg
Pilgrim Pasties
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or fresh produce that’s fit for royalty, look no further than local greengrocer David Homer, who was born in Pentillie Castle, near Saltash. Not only is David the third generation from his family to hold a market stall, but his son Gary also helps out on the stall, meaning that the market has been a part of the family for four generations so far. What the market lacks in convenience compared to a supermarket, it makes up for in quality. David’s stall is absolute proof of this. “I would say the majority of our produce is grown in our garden. If it isn't, it will still be local produce. The strawberries I have for sale today were picked from St Dominic last night. Most of it depends on the time of year.” “My mother’s mother had a market stall in 1921, and my Dad opened his own fruit and veg stall in 1959. We have been in Plymouth City Market for 15 years but I have been a part of the business since my twenties.” The stall itself offers a range of colourful seasonal fruit and vegetables. “It would be great to see some younger faces here” David explains, “The market has changed a lot over the years,
David Homer from Market Garden Fruit and Veg I know that a lot of people don’t cook now and choose to eat out a lot.” David’s association with the market trade throughout his life means that he is able to distinguish a quality piece of produce just from the way that it looks. “We are able to provide a personal
service here, in fact a customer was being served by my wife Mary the other day and said that ‘you wouldn’t get this kind of service at Tesco's. At the end of the day we just want people to say – that’s worth it.” Find them at stalls 63, 64, 71 and 72 in Plymouth City Market.
A Taste of Thailand
on’t be nasty, have a pasty! For Ross Coombes, owner of the Pilgrim Pasties stall, it is absolutely non-stop when it comes to business in the middle of the market. The official pasty of Plymouth Argyle and Plymouth Albion, The Pilgrim Pasty business started in January 2009 with Paul Coombes and Darren Burgess, and boasts 45 years’ worth of bakery experience. Ross is the son of Pilgrim Pasties partners Paul and his wife Leesa Coombes and is dedicated to ensuring that the reputation of the business is upheld in the hustle and bustle of Plymouth City Market. “I used to work in the factory but I was bored and wanted to use what I had learnt to use on a stall. I’m glad that I did, my experience really helps me. I buy the produce from my dad.” Despite a recent recession, the business is keen to evolve with the times. Pilgrim Pasties now offer cakes, bread, buns and pies in addition to their county-famous cracking pasties. “We’ve also just started offering a delivery service, like many other stalls
Nancy Koohathong from A Taste of Thailand
Afro Caribbean Pot
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here.” Ross explains, “It has really boomed. Many people are house bound so this ensures that they’re still able to get their pasties.” Find them at stalls 77, 78, 85 and 86 inside Plymouth City Market.
he Afro Caribbean Pot has been delivering fragrant, fresh and exotic food around the Plymouth area for three years. Now you can perch on a stool and watch Rita and Anthony Latimer, who have been married for 10 years, whip up their authentic Afro-Caribbean delights in person. The couple, who met in an African kitchen, have been incredibly pleased with the response. “We always go to events such as Flavour Fest and people have always said how there’s no other business like ours in Plymouth.” “We have customers of ours going to London, where the choice in food is really diverse and multi-cultural and telling people there that they need to come down and try our food. We even have a gentleman from Totnes who drives down just to pick up our curry goat every week.” “We freshly cook our food and we’re pleased to be fulfilling something that we’ve always wanted to do.” From jerk chicken to Jamaican lamb stew this is hearty wholesome food, all available in the market. “I like being in the market, it’s a great atmosphere. We normally tell our cus-
Traders Cait Leeke and Chris Deacon of Fairport, and their stall below
Rita Latimer from the Afro Caribbean Pot in the kitchen tomers that their food will take around 10 minutes, which gives them the opportunity to have a wander around the other stalls and take it all in.” The portions are big, so forget about an evening meal, unless you want to order between 10am and 4pm, in which case you could enjoy their famous curry goat in the comfort of your own home. ■ Find them on stalls 109 and 105 in Plymouth City Market.
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ith just one cook you would think that the wait is long but Mek at A Taste Of Thailand in the Pannier Market makes short work of the authentic Thai food she creates for customers. From delicious Thai fish cakes (served with sweet chili sauce) to customer
favourite Rad Na (thick noodle soup) the food is fresh and quick. Open for about a year, the noodle bar has proved so successful they’ve expanded. It’s a popular haunt for Malaysian and Chinese students but native Plymothians are also making this a go to eatery for a quick healthy lunch.
And definitely don’t miss... ■ ■ ■ ■
Ladybird Bakery The Nuthouse Tea & Coffee House Market Plaice
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SeaFood Stall Joe Brown Fruit & Veg L&P Tapp Deli The African Food Stall
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WEATHER UPDATES
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The Herald, Wednesday May 13 2015
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The Herald, Wednesday May 13 2015
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WEATHER UPDATES
So much choice: comics,
jewels and shabby chic
For a truly personal touch, the market is a key in the door for an array of craft products and pieces for your home. From funky fabrics to frilly bits and even angel gifts - looking through the beautiful products is a joy in itself, says Carly Squires
Drab to Fab
Stall assistant at Drab to Fab Charly Gadd
Petals
SANDRA PORTER, RETIRED How often do you come to Plymouth City Market? Once a week. What is it that you enjoy about shopping at the market? I like looking for bargains and I enjoy the atmosphere. Do you have a favourite stall? Joe Browns Fruit and Veg stall are my favourite in the market. EVE MORLEY, 20, DAVE EDGAR, 19 AND JAMES NEILSON, 21 ALL NAVY COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIANS How often do you come to Plymouth City Market? Dave: “This is actually our first time, we were exploring and felt compelled to come in and have a look. I saw a stall and managed to get my watch fixed straight away!” What is it that you enjoy about shopping at the market? James: “There is great variety here and it’s definitely one of the busiest markets that I’ve been to.” Do you have a favourite stall? Eve: “We’ve just been to the Plymouth Military Gifts stall and we like it because it’s so different to everything else.” ABI FARRELL, 18, STUDYING MATHS, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY A-LEVELS AT DEVONPORT HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS What is it that you enjoy about shopping in the market? “My Mum has always come here so I have too. I quite like the way there’s lots of local businesses here.” Do you have a favourite stall? “My Mum likes to come in and buy crafts and wool but I like the jewellery. Robins and Moore are my favourite because they offer a very good standard but it doesn’t cost the earth. They’ve always been really nice to me.”
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ORGET the ‘Del Boy’ image of the traditional market place because for joint Drab to Fab owners, Jodie Langworthy and Laura Stoneham, it’s all about bringing chic and quirky qualit items to Plymouth City Market. Childhood friends Jodie and Laura create and up cycle anything from a chest of drawers to a memory blanket in order to provide unique products for their customers. “Shabby chic is more popular than ever; it used to be just about painted furniture, but now we use decoupage, wallpaper and glass knobs to make things look pretty and feminine.” Laura explained, “Everything we sell is handmade and a one-off.” Jodie added: “I do my cutting and preparing while working in the store; it’s nice for customers to see us making things.” Like many other new business owners, Jodie and Laura needed a small space to showcase what they do, but many shops in the city were too expensive. However, six months have passed and the girls are incredibly happy with their decision. “We didn’t expect to do so well initially, but we are meeting the rent, paying ourselves a basic wage and putting a bit aside in our business account. “We both understand what we are doing, who we are targeting and where we are going. “I feel like we’ve built up a really good rapport with the customers and we will continue to do so.” ■ Find them on stall 51 inside Plymouth City Market.
Fashion in the marketplace is perfect for trend setters who refuse to look the same as anybody else but at the fraction of the cost of many high street retailers
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floristry business that only continues to blossom, Petals Florist Plymouth provides fresh flowers and bouquets for weddings, funerals and in some cases even Hollywood film sets! Born in an old Co-op supermarket in 1986, Petals Florist took a knock when the shop shut down in January 2001 causing redundancies. Shirley Haughey, now the owner of Petals, was a supervisor at the time. “I purchased the business in March 2001 and employed three of the original Co-op staff to accompany me as I could see the potential Petals could offer considering its proven history and dedicated customer following.” Since then the business has bloomed for the market-based florist. Only recently Shirley was asked to provide 1000 white fresh roses for Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland', filmed on location at Anthony House. “Sadly we didn’t get to meetJohnny Depp!” Shirley laughs. But whether you’re creating a Hollywood blockbuster or you’re hoping to woo a love interest with a single stem, the florists, under Shirley’s guidance, are more than happy to help, “We do well here, it’s a lovely at-
Why we love the market
Robins & Moore
C Shirley Haughey of Petals mosphere and there’s all types of people that visit the stall. “It’s really lovely to be able to offer a personal service for everybody, but we are particularly popular for weddings and funerals.” ■ Find them on stalls 61, 62, 69 and 70 inside Plymouth City Market. Other crafty stalls include: ■ Angel Aroma ■ Nevill’s Haberdashery ■ Papercutzglass ■ City Fabrics ■ Gill’s Frills ■ Country Garden
reating the ‘wow’ factor in bespoke jewellery is the ethos behind Robins & Moore Goldsmith in Plymouth’s Independent Quarter. From ‘up cycling’ family heirlooms and giving them a new lease of life, to handcrafting oneoff pieces that ooze style and sophistication, it’s all in a day’s work for the family-run firm. Launched in 1988 by Ray Robins and Alan Moore, the company is run with their respective sons, Rob and Carl, bringing 80 years of experience under one roof. Rob said: “We are a family business and very hands on. You'll usually find us at least one of us behind the counter so customers can speak to the organ-grinder!” “Once we’ve made a piece the mould is forgotten so it’s totally unique. That brings in the personal touch. We are
Jewellery from Robins and Moore transforming jewellery into something very special that is going to last forever and can be passed down to future generations.” In addition to traditional handmade jewellery, Robins & Moore has embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance the design process and cut costs. Despite their success, Ray is keen to remain in the market. “We’re a strong enough business to trade anywhere in Plymouth but we like trading in the market because it’s
colourful and has a great ambience. You really do have to come down and experience it - it’s not sterile like other shopping areas. We get a really diverse customer base down here – somebody could come in to buy a £5 silver chain or somebody could come in and buy a £5000 diamond ring. Either way, we really enjoy getting to meet every one here in the market.” ■ Find them on 131 Cornwall Street and stalls 35, 42 and 49.
Who needs late deliveries, crushed boxes and delivery charges? The market offers a range of entertainment and leisure stalls to satisfy the most passionate film buffs and dedicated book worms. If flicking pages isn't your thing, then there’s even a nail salon to allow you to just kick back and watch your finger tips transform!
Rudie’s Comix
Rafee Clothing Co
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F you are after clothing that stands out from the rest, Rafee Clothing Co is a new and exciting fashion store for women which aims to fuse market life with modern life. Qasim Ulhaq, the business owner of Rafee Clothing Co, launched the business 12 months ago following the birth of his 18-month-old son, Rafee. “I bought the website domain for Rafee in preparation as I knew his name would be famous one day.” Qasim explained, “It makes me even more determined to make it a success.” “It’s all about providing affordable and quality high street fashion clothing. We also like to provide alternative pieces such as our swing dresses.” Not only was the stall’s name born from family links, but Qasim’s passionate interest in retail was too. His father has owned shops from as young as Qasim can remember. “I went to University to do engineering but I didn’t like it. My brother and I grew up running around his shops and so it’s a part of us.” “My brother Sardar also works with me now and my Dad sometimes helps me pick out products to stock in the shop.” “Unlike my Dad I am trying to in-
R Stallholder Qasim Ulhaq at Rafee Clothing Co tegrate social media and advertising into my business to reflect the modern age and drive customers to the market.” Qasim is also motivated to differentiate Rafee Clothing Co from the high street shops, and receives customers from 16 to 40 years of age. “I choose products with my eyes there are certain shapes and styles that come back time and time again however I like to offer more detailed products than those in high street stores at the top of town.
“I really enjoy talking to my customers and getting to know them. I find that once I’ve had one customer that they will return.” ■ Find them at stalls 1,2,11,12,21 and 22 inside Plymouth City Market. Other stylish stalls include: ■ Coronet Engravers ■ Mystic Creations ■ In Touch ■ M’s Childrenswear ■ Babbaroonies ■ Daisy’s
udie’s Comix is an independent comic book and collectible shop in the centre of the market. Offering a whole range of collectibles and rarities from both Britain and America, this stall is perfect for those that are not only fanatical about Time lords, DC Comics and The Dark Side, but also Beano and older nostalgic items. Landing on Earth in 2013, Rudie’s Comix was born when Mick Sinclair decided that enough was enough and he wanted to pursue a career he really cares about, a chance that the city market allowed him to have, “I spent 45 years working for people in jobs that I didn’t like.” Mick said, “I’ve loved comic books and sci-fi all of my life and so I was determined to set up the business.” “Not only can customers come and browse the comics and collectibles that I have on the stall, but I can also preorder specialist items too.”
“I have ensured that I offer something different from competitors in the area, I want to provide an experience.” Promising more than just a “stuffy cash transaction”, Mick is keen to “have a yap” and get to know his customers on a personal level, allowing him to provide a more personalised service. “I actually went to business school and learnt nothing; I learnt it all from opening this stall and being surrounded by other traders.” “What the market and my shop offers, unlike high street shops, is a real choice.” ■ Find them on stall 51 inside Plymouth City Market. Other entertaining stalls include: ■ Mike’s Movies ■ The Bookstall ■ Flavour Vapour ■ Priceless Nails
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CELEBRATING 13th - 27th May
Visit Plymouth City Market & Independent Quarter shops for great products and prices mo
www.plymouthcitymarket.co.uk
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FREE FAMILY FUN DAY Saturday 23rd May • 10am - 4pm
DARTMOOR ZOO
UPON A WISH
REPTILES & BUGS 11am - 2pm
WITH ICE QUEEN & CINDERELLA 10am - 2pm
BILLY WIZ
THE BODYPAINTER
BALLOON MODELLING & MAGIC
WITH FACE PAINTING 10am - 3pm
10am - 2pm TT LIVE
MUSIC
TT
#LYLM2015 @loveurlocalmkt
Plus ‘pop up’ market in Place de Brest.