Arriving on November 15th, the Christmas Markets immediately faced backlash from local business Priory Press who arrived to find their shopfront completely blocked by the Christmas Market sheds. Not only were they blocked, but the council also originally placed a competitor coffee shop on their doorstop. They wrote on Instagram how they “weren’t told they’d be put here,” as they were originally meant to be on the other side of the street “until a big chain complained.” Friday Vintage Newcastle also shared their frustration as they’ve “had this issue for two years now” (@priory_press).
This begs the question, are the markets really benefitting local businesses? Council officials claim 84% of the traders are based within 20 miles of Newcastle and that the selection aims to prioritise North East products. While this may be the case, existing local businesses in the city centre seem to be neglected. Despite Eldon Square reporting a 9% increase in footfall compared to last year, which they attribute to the markets, others are not reaping these benefits.
"Existing businesses surrounding the area are being largely forgotten and excluded from the planning stages of the market."
There may be numerous locals holding stalls, such as nine traders from Grainger Market but there is also the presence of large companies such as Lush and Fenwick; so even the councils claim of prioritising local small businesses is murky. Regardless of the trader line-up it is clear small businesses with premises in town are not being consulted in the planning of such a large event. This has spurred The NE1 Hospitality Group, a Newcastle-based alliance of food, drink and leisure venues, to call for a full review of the markets' decision making processes. They believe the attraction is increasingly generic and negatively impacts independent traders.
As someone who works in a café near Monument, the streets are certainly busier, but this is localised to market stalls. Existing businesses surrounding the area are being largely forgotten and excluded from the planning stages of the market. In response to Priory Press’ concerns the council offered to promote their business on social media… sure let’s get a picture of half their shop front because it’s blocked by the councils own market huts. Ultimately, the markets line-up may prioritise local businesses but the logistics of the market do not, and existing small traders are suffering.