'It makes you really proud of York'- Traders on first day of Christmas Market

Traders spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) as the market got underway in Parliament Street on Thursday (Nov 12).

They said they still expected plenty of festive cheer this year but were aware that customers, like themselves, were feeling the pinch as cost of living pressures bite.

Coun Claire Douglas, York Council’s Labour Leader, said the event was expected to bring huge economic benefits to the city while changes had been brought in to try and better manage its impact.

The market is set to close for a rest day on Tuesday this year, and will open from 10.30am to 7pm.

It runs until Monday, December 21, when it will close earlier at 5pm.

‘It’s really important for businesses’

Nick Miller, owner of The Irish Spice Bag and Mills Nashville Nuggs, said they were excited to be at the market again this year.

The trader said: “We’ve put a lot of effort into the product and every little detail of the stalls. The event’s really important to every business, not just those who trade on the market.

“It brings a lot of people and spirits are high, all the stalls work together and that’s what’s really special about it. There’s no doubt prices have gone up, our costs are significant, but we’re focussed on what we can do for customers.

“We’ve been working closely with local suppliers to source our meat and veg which has also helped. When you see everyone whose come down here to enjoy the market it makes you really proud of the city.”

‘We’re conscious things are expensive’

Rob Collins, owner of the Herbie’s mulled wine and cider stall, said the cold and sunny weather on the first day of the market had been perfect for them.

Mr Collins said: “We’ve had a lot of customers who’ve come so far. People say it’s so busy on Saturdays, but Sunday’s nice and midweek isn’t busy at all, a lot of people love that.

“York’s a great city anyway but when you throw in the market we can always rely on it.

“We’ve thought about the cost of living situation for people and we haven’t put up our prices this year and a lot of other traders have done the same.

“We’re conscious things are expensive for people, but the market’s free to attend and a mulled wine or hot chocolate isn’t going to break the bank.

‘It’s a relief to come and feel festive’

Simon Long, owner of the Shambles Sausage Company stall, said they had put in a lot of work in the lead up to the start of the market.

The trader said: “This is our 12th year at the Christmas Market and it’s always been consistently busy. The only difference this year is it’s not open on Tuesdays, so Mondays and Wednesdays might be busier.

“Living costs could have an impact, families and businesses are both under pressure and feeling the pinch.

“But I think people look forward to Christmas and save up and it’s a bit of a relief to come to a market and feel festive.”

‘This is the beginning of Christmas in York’

York Council Leader Coun Claire Douglas said it was fantastic to see the market on its opening day and the array of stalls on offer.

Coun Douglas said: “The number of people who come to York during the market is estimated to be around one million, they bring huge economic benefits to the city during the six weeks that it’s open.

“The market is an amazing event, but residents have seen it grow and grow over the years from two to six weeks.

“Some of our residents haven’t been able to get into their city centre during the market, so the Tuesday rest day is a test to attempt to find a balance that helps them while keeping the market as vibrant as always.

“The first day of the Christmas Market is already busy with people visiting and spending money here and in local businesses.

“Businesses should think about Christmas creatively, the money is here if you’re willing to make it.

“For those travelling to York, there’s a lot of people who need to get around so I would encourage everyone to use the bus, the Park & Ride and to walk and cycle and only use the car if you need to.”