New market delivers strong results six months on as visitor numbers and trader sales surge

The Market has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors — with footfall up for market traders and in The Spindles.

The success of The Market, which opened its doors in March, is continuing to grow, with significant increases in visitor numbers, trader sales and overall footfall to the town centre. 

Since relocating to a new modern space at The Spindles shopping centre as part of a once-in-a-generation £450million town centre investment, the market has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors, footfall is up 15 per cent and trader sales are up by an average of 20 per cent each week, demonstrating the market's positive impact on local businesses. 

Mark Crossley at Crossley’s Fish said: "Since moving to the new market, we've seen around a 20 per cent increase in visitors, which has made a real difference to our business. It's been fantastic to welcome back customers we haven't seen in years, with people travelling from Saddleworth, Shaw and Crompton to come and visit the sparkling new market. 

“We’ve seen more people through our doors than ever before. We're welcoming plenty of new customers while also seeing lots of familiar faces returning. 

“Moving here has been one of the best decisions we've made. The support from the local community has been amazing and we're really excited about what the future holds. 

“We want to keep building on this success, continue growing our business and work alongside our neighbours to make sure the market goes from strength to strength." 

Patrick Scrivens at Town Barber Too said: "Since moving into the new market, we've seen a big increase in footfall. 

"Because you can walk right through the building it's also being used as a cut through and as well as our regular customers, many new people will use the stalls over time even if they don't normally shop in a market." 

Ross McGivern at The Greenroom café and sandwich bar said: "We’re really happy with the move, which has been very positive. We’ve got new customers and it’s brought back people who hadn’t been in for years, and this is because of the new location. 

“Long-term investment in the market and the town centre gives us confidence that this is a place with a bright future. It feels like everybody is on this journey together, which is really good. 

"We're really happy with our space on the ground floor. It's a bit smaller than our old shop, but the location is perfect, right next to the front door and it has a big open space in front of it for local organisations to use for events and workshops. 

"We would pick this spot again and we are very happy with the new market hall." 

And Kelly Bentley at The Hen House said: “I honestly couldn’t ask for more. Trade has improved and we're seeing a lot more people coming through the doors. It's been great to welcome so many new faces, including council staff popping in during their lunch breaks or after work. 

“The increased trade, the steady stream of new customers and the new space being in the Spindles have all helped our business to grow.” 

The market's success is also benefiting shops in The Spindles, which has has recorded a 10 per cent rise in visitor numbers, highlighting the role the market is playing in boosting the overall town centre economy. 

Shoppers are not only visiting more often but are also choosing to spend more money locally. 

Oldham Council's Director of Growth James Kington said: "We are delighted with the success of the market during its first six months. Welcoming more than 50,000 visitors in such a short space of time is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the appetite for a vibrant destination that supports local traders. 

"The increase in sales for our traders and the positive impact on the wider shopping centre show that the market is helping to drive footfall, encourage people to spend locally and strengthen the town centre. These results are a real vote of confidence in the investment that has been made." 

The market's achievements have also gained wider recognition, with the Spindles redevelopment nominated for Retrofit Project of the Year at the Manchester Property Awards, further cementing its reputation as a leading destination for shopping, food and community events. 

The site of the old Tommyfield Market will now start to be developed into phase 2 of the new Tommyfield Park, bringing a new green space right to the heart of the town centre.