A new monthly market boasting the best of Southampton is coming to the city.
Carlton Place will soon be host to a regular Saturday market full of independent traders.
Spearheaded by couple Emma and André Moreira - owners of Gaia Health Store – the hope is to attract more people to this part of Southampton.
The pedestrian area will be transformed into a market for the first time on April 6.
Speaking on the new venture, Emma said: “André and I looked at the possibility of starting a market as Carlton Place is pedestrianised, and we wanted to create a bit more life in the area during the day.
“Everyone knows about Bedford Place but there are loads of bars and restaurants here that can be forgotten about.
“For the market, we want to involve small businesses who don’t have their own shop premises as there are so many businesses in the area we don’t know about.”
After announcing the arrival of the market on social media last month, Emma has been inundated with traders keen to take part.
The market will boast a variety of businesses, excluding hot food to encourage people to eat at restaurants in the area.
For the first market next month, visitors can expect arts and crafts, clothing, products from Ghana, a vegan bakery, a conventional bakery, and more.
READ MORE: The ‘Cornwall of Southampton’ high street full of independent traders
Emma said: “Everyone seems really excited about it and we have already had 60 enquiries about stalls.
“We are aiming to have 25 stalls for the opening day.
“To begin with we are charging £20 a pitch because we want to get people in. Without traders, you don’t have a market.”
She added: “There’s an aspect of community in knowing people behind the businesses and giving them the opportunity to showcase their products.
“People want that human contact when shopping again and are not shopping at big corporate chains.
“The market is going to be a focal point for Southampton.
“There is something for everyone of every age.”
The market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 4pm, starting on April 6.
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