Traders at the indoor market in Stafford have been posing for photos as part of a campaign to show off what they have to offer. 

Many of the market’s 22 retailers spent part of the day being snapped by a professional photographer to produce a picture portfolio for posters, websites and social media posts. 

“It felt a bit awkward being told to ‘act natural’ while having a camera pointed at you - but the pictures are superb and hope it will demonstrate to residents and visitors the range of goods and services on offer here,” said stallholder, Julie Payne. 

Stafford Indoor Market can be found on Crabbery Street and is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm. With major development work due to take place in the town centre later this year, stallholders at the Borough Council run market are keen to let shoppers and visitors to the area know they are still going strong as part of their ‘Shop Local’ drive.  

Traders who were happy to face the camera included Julie Payne of ‘A Stitch in Time’ who offers a clothing alteration and repair service; guitar man Kevin Smith runs the ‘Guitar & Watch Surgery’ - and as well as selling the instruments, he also repairs them. Kim Bardsley from ‘The DIY Shed’ who provides key cutting along with supplying a range of ‘do it yourself’ tools, and Melissa Munir from the Fabric Box - the market’s Haberdashery.  

Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said: “In an age where people buy so much online, or from large national outlets, it is easy to forget the value of customer service and expertise from small independent traders. 

“The indoor market has such a wide range of stalls and experts and can give that face to face, hands on experience, which can be invaluable compared to other forms of shopping. 

“And with the cost of living crisis we are facing, residents and shoppers will see the benefits of getting things fixed rather than throwing them out - and having a ‘repair shop’ in the heart of town is both convenient and value for money.” 
She added: “I often have people tell me we need more independent outlets in Stafford - and then say they haven’t been into the indoor market. Well, there is more than 20 independent traders in our market so there is no excuse for not checking out what they have to offer.” 

Find more information about the market from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/staffordmarket  

Press Release No 5942