This is a comment I received on my "Bungled" post:-I'm not sure of the specifics of your posting but I can tell you for sure that the non food traders are being pushed aside on the weekdays to make room for the food court. I have also heard rumours that the food stalls are not paying rent at the moment. I know this for sure with regard to Wednesdays (12 weeks grace I believe) but there seems to be confusion if this is also the case on Thursdays and Fridays. I would have thought the food court is meant to be a healthy addition to the weekday markets, rather than a take over bid at the expense of other long standing paying traders.
First let me say I have no wish to set traders against each other. Before commenting here please remember that this situation is not of the traders' making, but rather of a bizarre management style that rules by division. Much as it pains me, I have to confirm the truth of the expanding food court and the pressure on space for other traders.
I can also confirm that you are correct about the rent-free pitches. All the Wednesday traders, food and non-food, have the thick end of 3 months free, while GSM's largesse has been confined to food only on Thursday and Friday (I'm not sure if they all get that - anyone know?).
I'm not sure why the most profitable businesses in the market need that kind of subsidy, but what do I know?
4 comments:
Well done GSM for turning pro-food three years after it became trendy in other markets!
Let's hope they keep the balance right as Greenwich is world famous
for Arts & Crafts, it's why people come.
For the record, I was offered only 6 weeks free.
If 12 weeks has been allowed, it would be consistent with the management style of dispensing privilege and favour to their buddies. Some longstanding food traders have still not been given the official go ahead on serving hot food, despite newcomers setting up out of the blue and taking away huge slices of business.
This is exactly how GSM operate though. They look after new traders and shit all over their regular traders. It's like that advert - "brand new customers only".
Last Saturday sales,£200, Sunday £320. Total income £520.
Cost of food £180, rent and storage £105, travel to market £30.
Pre tax profit, £215.
To find out of this £11,180 pa:
insurance, equipment,food containers, van & premises, NI and income tax.
Look for me this weekend, I'm the one with gaffer tape holding my shoes together, I am a food trader, I need subsidy.
Thanks for your candour. Like everything in the market these days, it's hard to make a living.
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