Newbury Market, Fading away? Options

[On the edge]

Is it just me, over the past few of months the market has gone through phases - some weeks big, some weeks small. On each of the small weeks - its smaller than ever! Is this an example of the economic 'dead cat bounce' theory, in other words its now on the way out? This week was particularly bad, can't all be down to the weather! Oh well, another Newbury feature bites the dust!

[Iommi]

Is it just me, over the past few of months the market has gone through phases - some weeks big, some weeks small. On each of the small weeks - its smaller than ever! Is this an example of the economic 'dead cat bounce' theory, in other words its now on the way out? This week was particularly bad, can't all be down to the weather! Oh well, another Newbury feature bites the dust!

Look at Blackbushe, it used to be massive, now you can get the same discount (and the same knocked-off goods) from your computer chair.

[GMR]

Is it just me, over the past few of months the market has gone through phases - some weeks big, some weeks small. On each of the small weeks - its smaller than ever! Is this an example of the economic 'dead cat bounce' theory, in other words its now on the way out? This week was particularly bad, can't all be down to the weather! Oh well, another Newbury feature bites the dust!

I've noticed the same, and the changes. Different faces etc. To be honest; I think the problem is where it is. Nobody things of going down there. The Market place is known as dead mans alley. You often hear the stall holders moaning about the decline of their trade.

[Cognosco]

I've noticed the same, and the changes. Different faces etc. To be honest; I think the problem is where it is. Nobody things of going down there. The Market place is known as dead mans alley. You often hear the stall holders moaning about the decline of their trade.

I walked through today, first time for a couple of months, not very many stall at all very disappointed I must say.

[GMR]

I walked through today, first time for a couple of months, not very many stall at all very disappointed I must say.

To be fair I did buy a body warmer from the market last week (and the only reason I went past it was because I was going to the Diamond Tap with my daughter); it was a good bargain. I was thinking of getting another one.

[Iommi]

To be fair I did buy a body warmer from the market last week (and the only reason I went past it was because I was going to the Diamond Tap with my daughter); it was a good bargain. I was thinking of getting another one.

But not any more?

[Dodgys smarter b...]

To be fair I did buy a body warmer from the market last week (and the only reason I went past it was because I was going to the Diamond Tap with my daughter); it was a good bargain. I was thinking of getting another one.

How many daughters does a man need?

[GMR]

How many daughters does a man need?

That depends what task i am training them for. But you can't have too many daughters.... Why do you want one?

[GMR]

But not any more?

Why?

[Iommi]

Why?

Just playing with you.

[GMR]

Just playing with you.

Is this your way of proposing then? And we haven't even had our first kiss.... what sort of woman man do you think I am? Cheap or what? I was expected something better from you.

[Simon Kirby]

That depends what task i am training them for. But you can't have too many daughters.... Why do you want one?

From Newbury Market? I'd sooner buy on-line or pick one up in the supermarket.

[GMR]

From Newbury Market? I'd sooner buy on-line or pick one up in the supermarket.

I didn't know you could pick up daughters in supermarkets (on line, yes... but not supermarkets... but then they are branching out all the time... I've got a Sainsbury's loyality card... will that help?)

[HJD]

If anyone is in the area or has the need to be in Thame on Tuesday's ( of all days ), you will see their market is still massive & apparently thriving. So what's the difference, are modern Newbury's residents a bit to upper class to be seen shopping at the market perhaps !

[GMR]

If anyone is in the area or has the need to be in Thame on Tuesday's ( of all days ), you will see their market is still massive & apparently thriving. So what's the difference, are modern Newbury's residents a bit to upper class to be seen shopping at the market perhaps !

I think the way Newbury has gone down the last couple of years I can’t imagine anybody who is stuck up still frequenting its shops. Chavs, drunks, litterlouts, swearers, abusers, single-mothers now patronize our town.... upper class? Not here guv!

[Chesapeake]

I think the way Newbury has gone down the last couple of years I can't imagine anybody who is stuck up still frequenting its shops. Chavs, drunks, litterlouts, swearers, abusers, single-mothers now patronize our town.... upper class? Not here guv!

Sorry GMR but what is your problem with "single-mothers"!!!!?

[GMR]

Sorry GMR but what is your problem with "single-mothers"!!!!?

Nothing at all, I was a single-parent myself bringing up kids on my own (it was said tongue in cheek (that is why I put two smilies at the end of my post... so people would know I was joking), sorry if I offended). The majority of single-parents are decent people. It is only the few that spoils it for the rest of us (and notice I said 'us' as I include myself in that group, or at least was).

[Simon Kirby]

If anyone is in the area or has the need to be in Thame on Tuesday's ( of all days ), you will see their market is still massive & apparently thriving. So what's the difference, are modern Newbury's residents a bit to upper class to be seen shopping at the market perhaps !

A large part of the problem is that it's run by Newbury Town Council. Hand the whole thing over to a commercial concern and let it sink or swim, and let's save £40k on the precept. I'd be surprised if it didn't thrive.

[KMcC]

Put the market back into Northbrook Street and ban the buses for two days a week. It works in Christchurch, a town of similar size to Newbury, that has a very busy, successful market every Monday.

[Darren]

Would a move of 0.25 of a mile make that much difference? All you would get is an increase of passing traffic simply because you cannot avoid it. It would look busier but would there be the increase in sales?

The demographic of the market customer base is getting older. It dates back to when there were no supermarkets and everything came from either the baker, butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, general store etc. Now, one trip to the supermarket and you can get nearly all you need. They have offers each week, BOGOF's and you can pick exactly the fruit and veg you want, rather than looking at the decent stuff in the front, but get served the rubbish at the back.