Newark teenage market success could lead to many more
An event where young entrepreneurs got a taste of trading at Newark’s first Teenage Market, where original artwork, handmade jewellery and home-baked cakes were sold, has been hailed a success.
Live music was provided by SteelGen, a steel band, and a DJ set by The Roscoe Bros.
Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwwod District Council partnered with the nationally renowned Teenage Market Company to bring the market to Newark on Sunday, September 19.
Ian Harrison, the town council’s markets manager, said: “The market industry needs young entrepreneurs and that is the purpose of these teenage markets, which we hope will provide successful market traders for Newark Royal Market and other markets in the region. The event was a success and we will work with other market operators to mentor and grow the skills of the young traders and our thanks to everyone who visited the market on the day.”
A portable footfall sensor installed at the Town Wharf recorded 1,161 unique visitors to the market, a contribution of nearly 30% towards the total footfall in Newark that day.
Given the first market’s popularity with both stallholders and visitors, more events across the district could be developed to sustain and grow the potential for young traders.
Keith Girling, chairman of the district council’s economic development committee, said: “It was fantastic to see so many talented young people showcasing their abilities at what was a very successful market.
"Hopefully we can now look to set up a network of events across the whole district to give more young people a free platform to experience market trading.”
Sarah Payne, tourism and economic growth officer, added: “We would love younger people to feel more engaged with retail in our district. They know best what their contemporaries would like to buy and sell.”
Joe Barratt, co-founder of The Teenage Market, said: “It was a real pleasure to have our first Teenage Market since lockdown delivered in Newark, with the event supporting a number of young traders who, for many, was their first time trading at a market. It’s really important to support our nation’s young people as we recover from the pandemic.”
