‘Markets are closing all the time across Greater Manchester, but ours is absolutely buzzing’

Traders and shoppers say Stockport Market is thriving

It’s been the heart of the town for generations.

Stockport Market, based in a Victorian hall with huge glass windows, has everything from fresh meat and fish to clothes, beer and bacon butties.

During the week, pots of tea are drunk as old friends catch up and put the world to rights. On Fridays and Saturdays, it becomes a buzzing centre where many choose to start the weekend.

In a time when markets in Greater Manchester and across the country have struggled to survive the shift to online shopping, Stockport Market is still going strong.

One of the reasons behind that is the massive regeneration work taking place around the town, which is bringing in more people to live and work there every year.

This includes improvements to Stockport’s historic Underbanks, where numerous food and drinks venues are based.

Others point to the market’s history, which is said to trace its origins back hundreds of years to the late Anglo-Saxon period.

“It seems to have got busier over the last 18 months, there are a lot of new bars opening, it’s pulling people into the town centre”, says Dave Walker from Big Fish Little Fish – a fishmonger based at Stockport Market.

The 59-year-old has worked in Stockport for the last five years and has seen all the big changes taking place around the town, which he thinks is bringing more people to the market stalls too.

Dave added: “It’s great here, I love it. Trade is very good for us, it’s a fantastic place and there are more and more people coming.”

Footfall at Stockport Market is indeed growing, the council said, and has gone beyond pre-Covid levels.

It’s been helped by some of the regular events that are held around the market hall, including a monthly street-food festival called Foodie Friday, and Stockport Makers Markets.

But that’s not the only reason the market has managed to thrive in an era when shopping can be done in seconds on a mobile phone.

“There’s a lot of history here, people from Stockport remember the market and want to support it,” Mike Stevens says.

The 72-year-old grew up in Stockport and visits the market weekly with his friend Alan, a former colleague he’s known for decades.

“You can get a cup of tea for a pound here, and a toastie for just over two pounds, you can’t get that anywhere else these days,” Mike says.

The market is a special place for him – he used to work on them when he was 14 on one of the stalls. Years later, he’s glad it’s still open and drawing people into the town centre.

His friend Alan, 52, added: “I come here every week to support our local businesses, I really like that about it.

“The community is a big part of it, a lot of people come here to speak to others, get a brew. You never feel like you’re being overcharged or ripped off.”

There are more than 30 independent traders working on Stockport Market, which opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Its reputation appears to be growing, after Stockport was recently named one of the best market towns in England by Independent Cottages, a holiday booking company.

Scott Donnelley, 47, is one of the traders who recently opened a butcher’s shop at Stockport Market called Cheshire Meats.

He says the market offers a little glimpse into the past, when people spent more time with each other and less time online.

He added: “You get people just coming here for a chat. It’s the last thing that’s going, people don’t stay together like they used to, but we’ve still got that here.

“It’s a good place, there are a lot of good people. It’s a very homely place, there’s a really nice feel. Every week I’ve noticed that it gets busier.

“We get to know all the regulars, they’re always coming back. There’s never any crime or anything like that around here, people really look after it.”

One of the issues facing traders is the market’s opening hours.

With a closure every Wednesday, some worry that they could be missing out on extra trade.

“I think it would be better to open on Wednesday, but a lot of the traders here don’t need to do that,” Scott explained. “Some have been here for 15 or 20 years and are used to how it is.”

Marta Biegaj, 33, who works at Polish bakery Sticky Fingers based in Stockport Market, agrees that an extra day of trading could help some of the stall holders.

“Every day that we are open is better for all the traders, it’s more chances to sell,” she says. “But we do manage to sell nearly all of the stock most days.”

Sticky Fingers recently revealed plans to open a new site in the Underbanks opposite The White Lion Pub, alongside its existing market stall.

Since setting up in Stockport Market, Marta says demand has continued to grow.

“We’re very busy most of the time, the only issue is we only have space for four little tables and it’s often not enough for our customers,” she added.

“But the people in Stockport are very supportive, they want to support local traders, there’s a good community. They could go anywhere but they choose here for the quality and the atmosphere.”

The regeneration of Stockport town centre is continuing to gather pace, with new flats being built alongside other changes such as the new transport interchange and Viaduct Park.

But council leader Mark Hunter says Stockport Market, with all its history, is at the centre of the town’s future.

He said: “Stockport Market sits pride of place as one of our town’s most cherished destinations—attracting visitors, residents, and businesses alike.

“At a time when markets elsewhere are closing, Stockport’s is thriving, and that’s thanks to our traders, shoppers and community who continue to support independent businesses.

“With growing footfall, a fantastic mix of 37 independent businesses, and national recognition as Britain’s Best Small Indoor Market in 2023. It’s a place full of history, character, and community spirit, and we know just how much it means to the people of Stockport.

“We’re always listening to feedback from our traders and shoppers, and we continue to work closely with our traders to make sure the market remains a vibrant and successful part of Stockport’s town centre.

“With our £1bn town centre regeneration well underway, Stockport Market is at the heart of our plans — offering something unique that brings people together and supports the local economy. We’ll continue working with traders to build on this success and ensure the market remains a key part of Stockport’s identity for years to come.”