When did Xmas markets become a thing in this country?
I cannot recall them being a tradition?
What's christmassy about takeaway food?
Who wants a fake designer purse for Xmas?
Who would buy anything from a fly by night street trader if you've no chance of tracing them for a refund on faulty goods or unwanted gifts?

As for the Trafford Centre its the most bland shopping experience ever. Exactly the same every day of the year.

Originally Posted by justbecause

I suppose it’s sad in some ways, but I’ve lived in Southport for all of my 65 years, and if we ever think of going shopping or visiting Christmas markets, our local town would never, ever be one of our considerations. The Trafford Centre is less than an hours drive and has everything you could want, shopping, somewhere to eat, FREE parking, AND, some atmosphere. Unfortunately, Southport is dead, the once beautiful Lord Street, now a decaying scruffy remnant of what it used to be, charity shops, coffee shops, but more importantly, loads of empty shops. The place just looks so uninviting.

Sad but true...

Although you can't really expect a little seaside town to compete with a major city.

Christmas Markets are a Continental EU tradition imported to the UK with the specific novelty of introducing seasonal goods from abroad not for local Lancashire
Brits to sell off their tat.

Christmas Markets need excellent transport access by road and coast which is why they are thriving in Manchester and local satellite towns.

They are very popular selling Continental local delicacies gifts and items not found
in local British Markets on days of the week when the public are more likely to enjoy a family trip out.

Originally Posted by Ceam

Sad but true...

Although you can't really expect a little seaside town to compete with a major city.

I know where your coming from .but as an immigrant scouser,to scousers this wasn't justa little seaside town .it was the upmarket day out weekend away.im not that much of an oldie (just haha) but you took your gal out for a drink l/pool side then to impress ,ameal out nighty to southport to impress.or aquality days shopping for that bit different not available in pool.then there was the midweek beach outingpicnic or the lucky night date haha!.humor apart have run a lifestyle buiss here quite successfully I feel .it aint just about the dosh for me.but it helps!but have seen a dramatic decline in what could be a jewel in the northwest,whenyou look at other niche towns around the country they ae thriveing and surviving the trends of lesser demographs.its the neglect and wanton abuse of the town by councils lackof care and vision against all appeals by local buissness and occupants that is mindnumbingly short siited.the fact is the armegeden of the town is so much nearer than those in the decision making process think.such a waste of what could be a true genm of the northwest. oh and before anyone comments yes I know am not the most grammatically gifted but speak with a big heart .so don't expect an apology or hanging on that point.but love and happy xmas to all.jamyx

Originally Posted by jamyramy

I know where your coming from .but as an immigrant scouser,to scousers this wasn't justa little seaside town .it was the upmarket day out weekend away.im not that much of an oldie (just haha) but you took your gal out for a drink l/pool side then to impress ,ameal out nighty to southport to impress.or aquality days shopping for that bit different not available in pool.then there was the midweek beach outingpicnic or the lucky night date haha!.humor apart have run a lifestyle buiss here quite successfully I feel .it aint just about the dosh for me.but it helps!but have seen a dramatic decline in what could be a jewel in the northwest

That's where we went wrong. Instead of restricting you lot to day trips we let loads of you move here as well. (This is a joke to be taken in jest).

It's not just here, the market in Liverpool by St. George's hall was the same; overpriced food and some hippy style hats and bags and not much else and not many people at all. I think it's more the offer from the traders rather than the location or council's fault. Although a relaxing of the parking charges would go along way to help.

Originally Posted by Bob Merriman

I think it's more the offer from the traders rather than the location or council's fault. Although a relaxing of the parking charges would go along way to help.

If parking were free the extra couple of quid in your pocket isn't going to buy you much. Nor is that level of extra spending power going to attract the likes of Selfridges and Harrods to the town.

Originally Posted by salus.populi

If parking were free the extra couple of quid in your pocket isn't going to buy you much. Nor is that level of extra spending power going to attract the likes of Selfridges and Harrods to the town.

That isn't the point, when your desperate to attract shoppers, and we are, anything that can be done to get them here needs trying.

Harassing people with a ponderous and relatively expensive parking regime to get a second rate experience wouldn't be high on most PR companies to do list.

Originally Posted by *concerned*

I know, and why hold it in Chapel St?

We have a so called market in the town, and a one way street called Market St, with a wide pavement, limited parking on one side only in front of the markets entrance that could be suspended, for me a perfect place to locate these sheds!

*concerned* with a post like that you should be head of the town council.

Originally Posted by *concerned*

I know, and why hold it in Chapel St?

We have a so called market in the town, and a one way street called Market St, with a wide pavement, limited parking on one side only in front of the markets entrance that could be suspended, for me a perfect place to locate these sheds!

Because the market is dying on it's feet. A huge white elephant with very little footfall. What is the point of having even more stalls doing absolutely no trade in the 'market quarter'.

I went to Manchester Christmas markets yesterday. It was well organised with much thought put into the look and atmosphere of the areas, especially in Albert Square. There were one or two garden sheds, but mainly the stalls were larger and more open, especially the food and drink stalls, which had seating and indoor tables.

Chapel St looks to me as though Sefton council thought that a Christmas Market was a really good idea, then tried to achieve it in the cheapest, tackiest way possible. I have no idea how much those poor stall holders are paying, but I doubt they are making a profit.

Originally Posted by Toodles McGinty

Because the market is dying on it's feet. A huge white elephant with very little footfall. What is the point of having even more stalls doing absolutely no trade in the 'market quarter'.

I went to Manchester Christmas markets yesterday. It was well organised with much thought put into the look and atmosphere of the areas, especially in Albert Square. There were one or two garden sheds, but mainly the stalls were larger and more open, especially the food and drink stalls, which had seating and indoor tables.

Chapel St looks to me as though Sefton council thought that a Christmas Market was a really good idea, then tried to achieve it in the cheapest, tackiest way possible. I have no idea how much those poor stall holders are paying, but I doubt they are making a profit.

those stallholders aint the only ones .at least they can up an go .the resident stores are running on fresh air an lifestyle commitment.where forced to pay for the bid ,and abandoned by them,our fee now goes to the nightlife sector ,which now is bringing more nightime brawling troubles.where f..k I it all gong!!!!

Why not put the sheds on the beach ?

Originally Posted by justbecause

I suppose it’s sad in some ways, but I’ve lived in Southport for all of my 65 years, and if we ever think of going shopping or visiting Christmas markets, our local town would never, ever be one of our considerations. The Trafford Centre is less than an hours drive and has everything you could want, shopping, somewhere to eat, FREE parking, AND, some atmosphere. Unfortunately, Southport is dead, the once beautiful Lord Street, now a decaying scruffy remnant of what it used to be, charity shops, coffee shops, but more importantly, loads of empty shops. The place just looks so uninviting.

Surely atitudes and habits by good people such as yourself are exactly why shops are empty in Southport. If you prefer to spend your money in The Trafford Centre (after fuel costs etc) don't complain that the town centre is going down hill.