Bath Christmas Market, one of the UK’s most successful, is already planning for this year’s event by seeking new traders to refresh its product range.
Last Christmas it attracted more than 350,000 people over its 18 days, making it the South West’s largest yuletide market.
Now with the Christmas break barely over and snow on the ground, organisers are looking ahead to make this year’s market even better.
A survey among stallholders shows that all but one of the 64 taking part said it had been a success for their business and, even at a time when shoppers were tightening their purse-strings, takings and profits were much better than expected.
Bath Tourism Plus chief executive Nick Brook-Sykes said: “Each and every one of our traders is selected on strict criteria, and so we know they offer great products to our customers.
“However, with people returning year after year to soak up the atmosphere and get into the Christmas spirit, we need to m
ake sure they are offered new and exciting products to ensure they continue to enjoy the experience and want to come again in 2014 and beyond.”
All new stallholders and their products are vetted by the event organisers on application and this year, even repeat traders’ products will be reviewed to assure quality and diversity of range.
The criteria taken into account are: the locality of the business and product, uniqueness, quality, suitability and product range across the event.
Market manager Vicky Bunt added: “It is imperative that we get the balance right for the customer – we don’t want too many similar products and we want to provide options for them when looking for Christmas gifts for every member of the family.
“We pride ourselves on ensuring a wide range of gift options, and only allow products that add to the event’s high-quality reputation to be sold at the market.
“By giving preference to local businesses, the event benefits Bath’s economy in two ways – by giving small, independent retailers, craft-makers and artists a fantastic opportunity to sell and showcase their products, and by bringing a huge number of eager Christmas shoppers to the city – not only to the market but to the city centre shops.”
This year’s market – provisionally planned for November 28 to December 15, – will have 140 stalls and organisers will soon be sorting their way through hundreds of different gift ideas from applicants including jewellery, toys, festive food, clothing, Christmas decorations, art, home wares and more.
To be considered for Bath Christmas Market 2013, send your business and product details to: christmas_market@bathtourism.co.uk or call 01225 322429 for an informal discussion. The deadline for applications is March 1.
