London's iconic markets under threat -are soaring costs, rampant theft and ULEZ final nails in coffin?
| Published date | 15 April 2024 |
| Publication title | MyLondon (England) |
Nowadays, Graeme says the situation is rather different. “Nowadays you can practically walk onto the market and set up a stall,” he adds. “A lot has changed”.
Data from Havering Council shows in 1985 it was home to 339 registered traders. This figure had dropped to 170 in 2005 and 90 in 2015 before slumping even further to 60 in 2020.
Traders have pointed towards ULEZ and lack of car parks as a key reason behind this decline though ULEZ only expanded to cover the outer boroughs last August so in reality the downward trend was seen long before that. But with other markets across London witnessing similar issues, the growth of online shopping and general shift of consumer habits are perhaps to death knell for a historic part of the city’s culture.
Graeme -who labels himself the ‘Romford Market nerd’ -owns one of the busiest stalls along the high street. As the straps of his blue marquee tent flapped in the wind, the East Londoner was engaged in selling bathroom sprays, sponges, and a whole range of other everyday essentials.
He says his hard work is recognised by Romford locals, who turn up to support him even on cold and rainy days. Although customers clearly appreciate Graeme, he’s under no illusions about the difficulties facing traders on the market.
“The prestige of being a market trader has changed,” he tells MyLondon. “It’s now a much harder business. With price increases it’s much harder to find the bargains at wholesalers to then offer customers. Many of them also have less money to spend which only makes this even harder to earn a living.”
On top of this Graeme said he spends £175 a month on ULEZ travelling into London for work. At this point he jokingly asks a regular customer to speak when she asks for the price of a household spray, before being berated by her in turn to the delight of those nearby.
“I love it here and I’m really lucky to have a job that I enjoy doing,” he then adds. “This community feel isn’t often found elsewhere which makes the market essential. We make sure to help people who are vulnerable. I have customers with dementia who hand me their purses to take the money out for what they buy.”
The sense of melancholy and uncertainty about the market only became more apparent after engaging with...
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