Street Markets are doing well.

I love street markets, the variety, the bargains, the atmosphere, and they certainly do seem busier than they used to be. I think it's great that more money is going to the small traders rather than the large chain stores.

I used to be a street trader - a long, long time ago! And I loved it. At least I did in the Summer when it was warm but the winters got pretty cold and depressing. But I agree with you - let's see more money for the little guys. Wouldn't it be lovely if we could get rid of the faceless high street chain stores and welcome back individual sellers.

Yes, it would be great if more money could go to the small traders. I certainly know that it is where I'd like to spend my money, and as I said before, I do love markets, and there are a few good ones around my area. The problem is that most of them trade during working hours, which is usually impossible for me. There is a good Sunday market not too far away, but it's always heaving with weekend shoppers, there is never anywhere to park, (I usually end up parking in a side street a good half a mile away), and it's half a day of my weekend gone, and I'd still probably have to visit the supermarket for something. Or I could spend about 30 minutes at the computer and have a weeks worth of shopping delivered to my door. For me it comes down to convenience.

I remember when supermarkets only sold food. Now they sell almost everything, from CDs, to clothes, to homeware, to electricals and more, and usually at a reasonable price. It's become extremely difficult for the small trader to compete.

Supermarkets and gift shops are possibly my two pet hates! Supermarkets for their blandness and gift shops (although I will accept there are the odd exceptions) for their ... yep, exactly the same ... blandness! I don't need any more trendy egg cup holders or candles!

I always laugh when people moan about supermarkets killing local retailers. However, when you ask them when the last time THEY used a local shop they will often admit they haven't for years.

How I wish we had the choice!! In our village we have take-aways of every variety, restaurants, 1 bank, hairdressers, barbers, a tile shop (!), a fishing tacKle shop(!), 2 travel agents, 1 chain bakery and 1 real bakery and 2 convenience stores selling pre-packed meat, not a butchers/greengrocers/fishmongers in sight.

Even our nearest town doesn't have a butcher!! I do work right next to an excellent street market tho' and have to say I spend far more in a week shopping there than I ever do in a supermarket because of the excellent choice.

I know that's the state in many towns and villages Witch consumer. The problem for those of us that would like choice (I loved going to the local baker's in my uni days, for example. The bread was the same price and MUCH better tasting) is that years ago people CHOSE supermarket over the local shop. And they're the same ones that will moan now about lack of choice.