I love markets; it’s as simple as that, I mean my family own a bread and confectionary stall in castle market; I’ve been working on different markets around Sheffield and Barnsley for almost 2 years. I love everything about the market, the different people you see, the regulars you talk to and the whole atmosphere is great! If I had to describe the market in three words I would have to say it was unpredictable because you never know what is going to happen, it’s enjoyable because there is always be a person that will put a smile on your face, and finally I would describe the market as a brilliant place to shop because you can find everything under one roof and are guaranteed a bargain or two!
In July 1924 the Sheffield Telegraph claimed “the markets are a grotesque waste of valuable sites”. Since then and the rise of newsagents many people have pushed the market to the side for the boredom of modern convenience, that is, the supermarket. But despite the availability of so many different shops, many people are still choosing to shop the old school way.
One of the great things about markets is how great they are for watching people in their everyday lives. In markets you get every walk of life, a real slice of the livelihood which exists in any city. As Vicky a regular customer to Castle market told me. “If you want to see the real soul of a city, go to its market” And I tend to agree. You are likely to find allsorts of people of all different nationalities; Ray Shaw who runs Shaws Café in Castle market described people who he sees around the market as “old fashioned, modern, naisbitts, moaners, old people, and young people”. And it’s not just one type of shopper too; Keeley from the fruit fayre fruit and veg stall told me you get people on their weekly shop but also people buying for restaurants and other businesses.
“Where else can you get fresh fish, your weeks vegetables and a new pair of shoes under one roof?!” comment from a regular visitor at the markets, Well maybe at some supermarkets but these places have got no atmosphere! In my experience as a market employee I think people shop at markets because they are interesting places and a bit more unpredictable than a supermarket. There’s the hustle and bustle of city life that supermarkets don’t have. There’s nothing to inspire you in a supermarket, no weird smells, no odd people to look at, or noise for that matter. 
Supermarkets are like libraries whereas markets are like big festivals of colour for senses! A shopper Jane told me that if the markets were convenient and the fare on buses weren’t as much, she would visit everyday! “I love the different stalls, I think it’s an amazing experience and it’s a shame there aren’t more people who visit the markets.
I think it would be an even better atmosphere if there were more people visiting” She went on to say that the workers in the market are much friendlier and make you smile, rather than shop assistants who miserably just sit at a till and take your money!
I think the market is an important part of any city or large town. Not only is it part of its history and everyday life but it supports small traders in making a living who maybe can’t afford to rent a shop. Said Jane, a shopper, “10 years ago the markets used to be crowded with hundreds of people and the atmosphere is nothing compared to what it used to be like but if we had a little help from the council then maybe we can restore that atmosphere which we once had”. I agree with her but I would also say that castle market needs refurbishing because at its current state its no wonder it lacks customers, however in order to get this kind of funding, customers are needed and advertising should be taken into consideration by the management. So now you know why not pop down and see for yourself what the appeal of the market really is?