A new indoor and outdoor market run by independents in Lakeside aims to make a splash at its debut this weekend
A new market in Lakeside, East Cardiff, aimed at platforming independent small businesses from across South Wales, launches this weekend.
The Indie Superstore market will take place every weekend outdoors, while traders within its inside larger double-sized unit will operate seven days a week.
In the weekend outdoor market, different stalls will rotate each week, including traders selling plants, jewellery, and other assorted crafts.
Platforming independents
The founders of Indie Superstore plan to use their existing connections to other markets across South Wales to help small businesses grow.
People are really ready for independents. There’s been a big backlash to big business lately
Grant Jones, founder of Indie Superstore
Grant Jones, one of the founders behind the project, spoke about how the project aims to platform independents from across the region where normally they wouldn’t be able to expand.
“It’s about getting traders from Pontypridd to Tonypandy, then from Tonypandy to Cardiff, then from Cardiff to Pontypridd,” he said. “It’s £25 per day for an outdoor stall, so it’s the perfect place for people to start.”
When speaking about the effect of lockdown on consumer habits, he added: “People are really ready for independents. There’s been a big backlash to big business lately.” He cited the inconsistent restriction on sales of small business against large supermarkets within the national lockdown.
Lakeside rejuvenation
Alongside the outdoor market, the three adjacent units to the indoor superstore will be populated with new permanent businesses, many of whom initially found their feet at Lakeside’s sister market in Canton, Corporation Yard.
This includes Cardiff Dough and Co, who specialises in doughnuts and other sweet treats. When speaking about their new premises, Ashley Parfitt, owner of the company, said: “We look forward to giving back to the community, as they have been the sole reason for success throughout lockdown. Our evening and weekend markets running up to Christmas will bring back some much needed love and joy, especially after the last few months.”
Previous inhabitants
Prior to the Indie Superstore takeover, these shopfronts have had various owners, including Cardiff burger specialists The Grazing Shed, as well as Da Mara, whose location in Pen-Y-Lan has since closed.
Alongside the new shops, an existing branch of Cardiff coffee shops Waterloo Tea Rooms will continue to operate.
Photo credit: WalesOnline