Credit: Lowri Pitcher

“Not a fair playing field”: Closed Cardiff Market traders battling open supermarkets for business

The owner of a greengrocers based in Cardiff’s Indoor Market says his stall’s closure is costing him £200 a week.

Since the market closed to customers in December due to Coronavirus restrictions Jamie Sullivan, owner of Sullivan’s Greengrocers, has run outdoor stalls around Cardiff on weekends and also offers home deliveries during the week.

However, wastage of the perishable food he sells means he is losing money.

“Some things like all the berries – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, we’ve just got to sell them today, cheap, ” he said.

“Even if I paid £1 for them yesterday I’d rather take 50p for them today than put them in the bin tomorrow.”  

He says that closing the indoor market while keeping supermarkets open means his business is competing in an “unfair playing field”.

“We’re only selling basic things, how come people can go into supermarkets and buy what they want?” he said.

“On a Saturday morning, what difference would it make if Cardiff market was open for essential retailers, fruiterers and fishmongers? People could queue up outside, go in on a one-way system, buy their meat, fish, fruit and veg, go to the deli and walk back out.” 

On a Saturday morning, what difference would it make if Cardiff market was open for essential retailers, fruiterers and fishmongers?

Jamie Sullivan

Losing Sleep

Jonathan Adams, owner of Ashworth’s Fishmongers, also based in the market, said opening to customers could double his turnover:

“Our turnover is down 80-90% of what it usually is. If the market was open I think we would be doing double what we’re doing. That still isn’t ideal but we would be doing more, definitely.”

When asked about the impact this is having on him, he said: “I don’t sleep very well at night anymore because of the anxiety.”

I don’t sleep very well at nights anymore because of the anxiety

Jonathan Adams

Neither is he optimistic about what the future holds, saying: “This is the way it is going to be until at least the end of April.

“Easter is the busiest time of year for me apart from Christmas. So hopefully, we’ll be back open by Easter but the signs don’t look very good.”

Financial Support

CJS News asked Cardiff Council why Cardiff Market can’t be opened for essential retailers when similar retailers in other indoor markets, as in Swansea, are open to customers.

“The current lockdown restrictions have resulted in low footfall in the city-centre,” said a Cardiff Council spokesperson.

“Acting on behalf of all stallholders the Council successfully bid for funding from the Welsh Government to cover their rental and service charge costs during the first lockdown.

“Further bids for funding, to cover rent which would have been due during the firebreak last autumn, and the ongoing lockdown, are in progress to assist stallholders through this difficult time.

“In addition, the Council has worked closely with stallholders to ensure that they are all in receipt of the full funding available to them via a range of government grants, loans and rate relief schemes.”