Stallholders visiting Salford’s Christmas markets say the festive period is vital for their survival as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit businesses and the pockets of Salfordians.
Vicki Clarke, owner of Cake Up North, will be at the Quayside Media City Makers Market in Salford, opened up about her recent struggles. She admitted that, due to the threat of bird flu, the price of eggs has increased, on top of the price of cocoa.
Vicki emphasised the importance of Christmas markets for her business and others like it, as she said: “This time is vital for artisan market traders, as we have nearly six weeks without work after Christmas Eve, so these Christmas orders really make a huge difference”.
Vicki continued, emphasising that although she hasn’t had a decline in business at events this year, she has seen a drop in the amount of orders being placed online. Due to these factors, she is considering raising her prices going into the new year, something she hasn’t had to do yet this year.
Paalan Sood, who has run her Indian food business Mama Soods with her mum since 2023, will also be at the Media City Christmas markers in December. She also opened up about how vital Christmas sales are to her business.
She said: “Christmas is a huge part of our calendar; it’s usually our busiest time of year and helps sustain us through the quieter season”.
Palaan continued, saying that she has seen a change in shoppers habits. She says customers are ‘buying fewer large gift sets’, opting instead for smaller ones.
Nicola, who runs Sinensis Styles – a handmade bags and purses shop – said that this is her first year trading at Christmas markets. After speaking with other traders, she was told this year was the most financially difficult they have ever experienced.
“They tell me to stick with it and not to be disheartened, if or when I experience low sales,” she said.
The MediaCity Christmas market returned on Thursday 4 with various dates through the month from 4pm until 10pm.
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