Thousands attend the first Innox Mills Sunday Market in Trowbridge
THE owner of Innox Mills said today (Monday, July 20) he was delighted with the public response to their first Sunday market.
Jonathan Dean, managing director of Innox Mills Ltd, was more than happy with the number of people who attended the market on the former Bowyers site next to Trowbridge Railway Station.
"It went very well and certainly exceeded our expectations. The majority of traders sold out or were going home to restock. By 2pm, some had nothing left.
"The footfall was between 3,000 and 4,000 and there was a positive vibe about the place. It gives us a nice platform for next month."
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Twenty-nine of the 31 traders booked turned up - an ice cream man was forced to pull out because his van was raided by thieves late on Saturday evening and a hot food trader was taken ill on Sunday morning.
But the traders who did attend all said the market went very well for their business and that they will be coming back next month.
Kevin Gover, of Whitley-based Wiltshire Chilli Farm, said: "I thought it went very well. I was pleasantly surprised at the way the day went and will definitely be back at the next one.
"There were lots of people pottering around and happy to spend, whereas in recent weeks they have just been happy to be out after lockdown."
Paul Vowles, of Blueridge Farm at Hawkeridge, had sold out of his home-made pies, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs by 1pm and had left by the afternoon.
He said: "We had sold out in about three hours and did really well. We will definitely go back next month."
Kez Garner, president of Trowbridge Chamber of Trade, said: "I thought it was a really good start for the first market.
"Obviously, it had some teething troubles but it will grow as the months go by."
"Some of the traders sold out of stock early on and most of them were happy and ready to book again. It just needs things like a plant stall and a pets stall and vintage stuff.
"A lot of the people who went were looking around curiously and not necessarily looking to shop."
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Mr Dean hopes to grow the market consistently as months go by and bring a band in to provide music for the next market and some entertainment for children.
The opening times will also be changed from 10am-4pm to 9am-3pm as shoppers prefer to go out earlier.
The next four Innox Mills Sunday markets will be held on August 16, September 20, October 18 and November 15.