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Results of a recent survey by Pleydell Smithyman
The results of this Survey have also been published in the NMTF Northampton Branch Newsletter, March 2008
These are the main results of the survey sent out to the Northampton market traders recently by Pleydell Smithyman. 82 stallholders were sent copies of a questionnaire, 40 were returned, of that 75% were traders of 11 or more years standing, and these 30 traders represent the hardcore of Northampton market and therefore probably provide a true reflection of the results of this survey. Featured in here are the most important questions in the order that they were published. Any trader wishing to read the full report can do so at Rutherfords stall (stall nos .87-90 Tue to Sat).
This report was presented to us at The Market Square Operation & Business Plan meeting on 27th February 2008.
67.5% of traders dissatisfied with how the market looks.
75.5% of traders satisfied with stalls provided.
85% of traders dissatisfied with toilet facilities.
Reasons for trading on Northampton Market?
77.5% Convenient location
70% Quality type of stall
80% of traders believe that the market square is a focal point in the town
97.5% of traders feel that the market square is an important part of the heritage of the town centre.
60% feel that the market square reflects the needs of the community to a large extent.
57.5% feel that the market square is not actively or effectively promoted.
80% believe that the location of the market square in the town centre attracts visitors to the town.
70% believe that the available parking is not attractive to visitors.
Promotional Campaign
50% think this will make a large positive difference
40% think this will make a small positive difference
Subsidised parking for shoppers
85% think this will make a large positive difference.
10% think this will make a small positive difference
72.5% agree modern removable stalls would have a large negative effect on their business
70% agree that demountable stalls would have the same negative effect.
(what is the difference between the two anyway?)
72.5% say that better transport links would make a positive difference.
77.5% say that Park & Ride would make a positive difference.
52.5% want to change the existing layout to encourage improved footfall.
Number of events on market square
40% say too little
25% say too much
22.5% don’t know
7.5% say the number of events is just right.
Do visitor numbers to your stall increase during events?
65% say no.
32.5% say yes
Does the amount of money you take increase during events?
70% say no.
25% say yes.
Would you be willing to trade temporarily from a different location to enable an event to take place?
87.5% say no
10% say yes
This is the key question of the whole survey, bearing in mind the 40 replies we received the yes vote only constitutes 4 traders. As a result of this the next part of the question on alternative venue is irrelevant.
Would you be willing to move your stall to Abington Street?
75% answer no.
17.5% permanently
5% temporarily.
Here again another key question answered almost as emphatically as the last one. Once again remember that 17.5% is only 7 traders.
If demountable stalls were introduced on the market square what impact would they have?
A large negative difference was the highest score across the board.
Which of the following events would most complement the market square?
55% think themed markets would most complement the market square
45% think family orientated events.
Concerts, Fashion shows and Fun fairs all scored below 10%. Several traders mentioned that noise related to such events make it near impossible to serve their customers.
Taking into account your previous answers, please tell us your views on the following statements.
The existing market and stalls should remain unchanged.
62.5% agree
20% disagree (8 traders)
7.5% have no opinion
The existing market and stalls layout should be changed to encourage more use and access.
50% agree
32.5% disagree
10% have no opinion
The existing market and stalls should be changed to accommodate other types of use e.g. events.
67.5% disagree
15% agree (6 traders)
12.5% no opinion
Again a key question answered emphatically.
Part of the existing market and stalls should be moved to Abington Street to be nearer the high street shops.
75% disagree
15% agree (6 traders)
7.5% no opinion
Probably the most important question showing that the vast majority of those asked do not want either the existing weather proof stalls or themselves moved off the market square.
Are the six traders who want to move the same 6 each time? Perhaps they could be the guinea pigs to be moved to the top of Abington Street (which is where the move would be to), and tell us how they get on.
Also presented were more preliminary findings amongst those quoted were finding that although the market is fundamentally profitable the decline reflects national trends, although the costs are under control the falling revenue is a core problem.
To us the two biggest problems which the committee have repeatedly brought up at meeting after meeting are quote “Failure to reinvest and develop the business equals falling attendance and adopt a realistic promotion and advertising budget”.
The final report was supposed to have been delivered by 11th March 2008. This was moved to 4th April 2008. At the National Market Traders Federation Northampton Branch Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 16th April 2008 at the Guildhall, Northampton, traders unanimously voted for staying on the Market Square, and for opposing any attempts to move them into the streets of the town centre.
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