Rising costs and shoppers’ “focus on money” are having an impact on independent businesses at Sheffield’s Christmas market, according to traders.
The market is back in the city centre this year with over 80% of the vendors being local traders.
Nina, a 22-year-old barista for Frazer’s Coffee Roasters, said the crisis had impacted the business in other ways than just its sales.
She is the only person working on the stall and will lose her job when the market closes. The company, based in Neepsend simply cannot afford to continue employing her.
“I’ve never seen it as monstrously so as at the moment,” she said about rising costs. “Everyone is so focused on money.”
She explained that Frazer’s Coffee Roasters café was shutting down as the landlord had increased the rent to double the amount they were already paying.
Nina said that although she was not worried about getting another job, she was concerned about how it might last.
“Jobs are so contractual now. I grew up watching my parents go through the recession, and now I can see it happening again.”
Helen Gilbert, from Meersbrook, Sheffield, sells her handmade jewellery and gifts. She thinks that while people are worrying a lot about money, it has not necessarily stopped them from buying.
“I think people are tightening their belts a little, but where my items are on the lower end of the price range, people still find the time for the tradition of buying stocking fillers.”
She has found that Fridays and Saturdays are busier than weekdays, which can be quiet.
“I’m lucky to have a supportive partner with a “proper” job, which means I can have a more artsy business,” she said. “Otherwise we might not be able to afford it.”
Angilina Dhami, a 20-year-old university student, paid £7 for a vegetarian Yorkshire pudding wrap. She says the cost of living crisis did influence how much she spent at the market.
“I don’t want to say the market is too expensive but because of my income and being a student, I couldn’t splurge on much, meaning I only spent money at two places.”
Attractions at the market vary in price with the Ferris wheel being £5 for adults and £4 for children, and the carousel is £3 per person.
As for food and drink, burgers are £6 while a coffee will cost you between £2 – £4.
The market is open from 10am – 6pm Monday to Thursday and 10am – 8pm Friday to Sunday.
