Middlesbrough indoor market welcomes new traders after major investment

Vintage 101 owner Subhan Beg with some of his retro fashions
-Credit:UGC


Middlesbrough’s only indoor market is looking forward to welcoming new occupiers after a major investment pre-Christmas provided extra space for traders.

Seven additional units were created after the re-development of the former Fulton’s Food store which closed in 2021. That has enabled two popular businesses - ASB Football Shirts and PM Toys and Collectables – to expand into much bigger shops at the market in the Dundas Shopping Centre.

In a new mini mall they have been joined by a diverse offering of local independent traders: Heaven on Earth, Sharon’s Handmade Crafts and Bloody Creations. Retro fashion shop Vintage 101 has also arrived and is already proving popular, attracting customers from all over Teesside.

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“The places that used to cater for men, particularly, who like their designer clothes have gone,” said Vintage 101’s owner Subhan Beg, whose two grown up sons came up with idea of the shop and help promote it. “People like the retro, vintage gear because of its quality and you can’t get any of this stuff in the High Street anymore,” he said.

Vintage 101 sells classic men’s and women’s fashions from the 1950s, 60s and 70s which have come full circle and are now much in demand. The shop stocks brands such as Sergio Tacchini, Fila, Fred Perry and Tommy Hilfiger. It has also been appointed a UK stockist for Lambretta.

Back in the older section of the market, the re-shuffle has opened up opportunities for new and returning businesses, such as trader Phil who had to take time out for a knee replacement. He now has a more prominent spot for LMC Clearance which operates under its tag line of “when it’s gone, it’s gone”.

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Stock rotation and knock down prices mean new items are always coming on sale. In his opening week, for example, Phil was selling bottles of hand sanitiser alongside golf gloves, curtain poles and baking trays. “These are difficult times,” he said, “and people can’t always afford to buy things. If we can sell it keenly and cheaply it helps everybody out.”

Indoor Market Manager David Harris said: “Even though this is a quiet time of year for all parts of the retail industry, there’s a real sense of impetus here. When the centre of Middlesbrough has been so badly affected by big retailers pulling out, it’s such a positive sign that our owner wants to invest because he knows we’ve come up with the right formula.”

He added: “For our customers, that’s affordable products they can’t find anywhere else – from balls of wool to must have items for their pets. For traders new to retail, we provide the ideal set up to test their ideas. And for all our occupiers we offer a special all-in package to cover their rent, rates and bills to help them keep on top of their finances.”

The market is looking for a florist, men’s barber and a sandwich shop or deli-counter to round off the products and services it provides. It would also like to add specialist or niche businesses to the destination shops it already has, such as ASB Football Shirts, Leo Libra Pet Products and Alta Ego.

“But there’s no two ways about it – retail is tough,” said David, “and you can’t go into it half-hearted. However, if you’re ambitious and hard-working there’s no doubt it’s a great way to be your own boss.”

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