Love Your Local Market fortnight

The bunting is out and the prizes are ready!

Teignbridge District Council alongside Newton Abbot market traders are supporting the high profile Love Your Local Market 2014 campaign led by the National Association of British Market Authorities.

They are joining over 700 markets across the country by taking part in the annual Love Your Local Market fortnight which runs from Wednesday 14 May to Wednesday 28 May.

To celebrate the occasion and boost economic activity, Newton Abbot markets is putting on a trolley dash prize draw and other promotions to attract new customers and persuade people into the town.

Customers who buy market goods during the fortnight will be able to collect a voucher from traders. Once they have collected 3 out of 4 they can enter a prize draw. Under the guidance of Market Manager Mike Walsh, the winner will be given £100 to spend within the markets and is free to fill a trolley with anything they want!

The second prize winner will get two months free membership to Newton Abbot Leisure Centre and third prize is a family voucher for Alexandra Cinema. Plus, traders will be donating prizes too.
Love Your Local Market started in 2012 and, so far, participants have staged over 4,000 events nationwide. This year Newton Abbot shall be celebrating to highlight the importance that markets play in the heart of communities, not only for retail but as valuable community assets.

All 80 traders have signed up to a Market Shoppers Charter, a national scheme to make the public aware that they have as many rights under consumer legislation in a market as they do anywhere else.

Teignbridge District Council’s Newton Abbot Market Manager Mike Walsh said:

“Love Your Local Market is designed to remind people just what their local market has to offer. Newton Abbot traders are really enthusiastic about it and will be joining in the fun and celebrations.

"The Shoppers Charter shows the public that traders are courteous, helpful and that the wide choice of goods and services on offer represents good value. If for any reason their expectations are not met, redress can be sought. We really hope people come and experience the excellent service our market traders have to offer.”

Long-standing Newton Abbot Market trader Ron Southcombe said: “Love Your Local Market fortnight is a perfect chance for shoppers and traders alike to remind themselves what a splendid market they have.

“Newton Abbot has traditionally been a fresh food and flower market and that is still the case with a fine offering of locally produced food, but it has moved with the times and now offers many other lines. There is virtually everything you want here even if you didn’t realise you wanted it.
“The stall holders are all independent traders and will be delighted to answer your questions and steer you in the right direction, they know about what they are selling. If you don’t see it, don’t hesitate to ask!

“For the traders it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best that Newton Abbot has to offer, to connect with new customers, in some cases to do special offers to show that there is still tasty food out there at very reasonable prices, to show that they care about their customers.

“Don’t forget to collect your voucher with each purchase for free entry into the exciting competition which is running throughout the fortnight. We look forward to welcoming you during Love Your Local Market fortnight.”

Graham Wilson OBE, chief executive of the National Association of British Market Authorities, said: “Love Your Local Market is the biggest market event in a generation. It gives people the chance of a new career and demonstrates how important the market is to the local community.”

Teignbridge District Council is responsible for running the Newton Abbot's range of indoor and outdoor markets. There is a food hall which sells local produce and an outdoor market in Market Square every Wednesday and Saturday. There is also:

A Farmers' Market is in Courtenay Street every Tuesday and Friday from 9am - 3pm
Trash & Treasure Sales in Market Square every Friday 8am - 4pm
Livestock Auctions are held in the Cattle Market area every Wednesday and there are also Poultry Sales every second Saturday from March until the end of October.
Car Boot Sales on various Sundays either in the Cattle Market Car Park, or the Multi-storey car park.