This year’s Christmas market boasts many familiar faces such as Acropolis, Redhead’s Mac ‘N’ Cheese, and North Shore Coffee Co. – allowing patrons to enjoy local favourites whilst getting into the festive spirit.
However, not all Newcastle-based small businesses will reap the benefits that the busy Christmas season brings. Friday Vintage, a second-hand clothing shop located in Old Eldon Square, has faced issues with vans stocking the Christmas Village segment of the market resulting in blockages of the shopfront. Friday Vintage owner Laura Jackson stated the Christmas market means business in her store is a ‘total dud,’ and raises health and safety issues every year.
Similarly, Priory Press, a café situated on Nelson Street, shared a post on Instagram in which they encouraged people to visit their city centre location, after realising their store was covered by market stalls. To make matters worse, one of the stalls was serving coffee – something that was likely to decrease footfall into Priory Press’ store even more.
Newcastle City Council and NE1 responded to Priory Press’ concerns by moving the rival coffee stall, and giving Priory Press the chance to operate out of the now vacated stall until the Christmas market closes on the 23rd of December.