Londonderry Traders Emphasize New Christmas Market’s Contribution to Business Prosperity

Businesses participating in a newly established Christmas market in Londonderry have stated that this event, along with similar initiatives, is crucial for the prosperity of numerous small enterprises within the region. The inaugural Cathedral Quarter Christmas Market features approximately 15 vendors, offering a diverse range of products from scented candles to vintage fashion, operating from wooden cabins erected in Pump Street and London Street. These traders anticipate significant visitor numbers throughout the four-day market, hoping it will motivate consumers to support local businesses in the period leading up to Christmas Day. Elaine Duffy, proprietor of Vintage Star fashion, was among the local merchants instrumental in realizing the Christmas market concept. Ms. Duffy elaborated, “This was one of the big ideas that we had as traders to try and get more people back out onto the street here.” She drew parallels with her experiences in various European cities, such as Amsterdam, noting, “I have lived in a number of cities across Europe, like Amsterdam, where they have so many markets like this one to help support local business.” Ms. Duffy also commented that the market’s location has been “neglected quite a lot over the years.” She added, “It’s about encouraging people, even our own Derry folk, to be tourists in their own town and come out of the shopping centres every so often and help support local and home-grown businesses who help keep this town going.” Ms. Duffy expressed her aspiration for the market to become a recurring event in the future, extending beyond the Christmas season. Jenna McCusker, owner of Derry-based House of Scents, affirmed the critical importance of Christmas markets for small enterprises. Speaking to BBC News NI, she remarked, “The first day has been great so far.” McCusker further stated, “If Belfast can get big footfall with their Christmas market then there is no reason why we can’t see something like that here if it keeps continuing to grow.” She concluded, “We have been really pleased with the crowds so far – the only downside is it’s freezing, but you can’t avoid that.” Noel O’Hagan and Ellie Hill, representing Mena’s Wood Fired Pizzas food truck, indicated their readiness to serve numerous patrons during the market’s upcoming days. Mr. O’Hagan commented, “This has mainly been just a set up day for us, but already we are finding a lot of customers coming up to us.” He added, “Everything has been going grand and we have already been scoping out what the other traders are selling and I’ve seen a few already checking on the pizzas here.” O’Hagan also noted, “I’ve had business owners bartering their products already for pizzas.” Selina, from Syenna Hair and Beauty hair salon, expressed her anticipation that the market would generate “knock-on business” for the street’s existing shops. She stated, “It’s all about encouraging trade in this part of the city.” Selina further remarked, “I think we are a bit forgotten about here sometimes, so I think it’s great to see so many people out on the streets – I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people out on the street – we should always be encouraging people here to shop here.” Denise McGilligan, co-owner of Cloud Wine with her daughter Anne, is offering coolers and tumblers from her log cabin at the market. She explained, “We would usually sell mostly online, but we are here today out in the log cabins hoping to try and show-off our products to some lovely people.” McGilligan added, “There’s a fantastic Christmas atmosphere about the place and I have been blown away by just how great everything looks.” She also observed, “Some people I’ve talked to hadn’t heard of our business before so it’s great to get our name out there and it’s nice to chat to all the other business owners as well.” Ms. McGilligan noted that “they will need to be on their toes” throughout the upcoming four days, asserting that despite the demanding hours from morning until night, their Christmas spirit would remain undiminished. Annie Buchanan of Whitefield Farm is selling wreaths and trees from her market stall. She clarified, “These are all part of forestry thinning operation so the ones on display here are the ones that we had to cut out so that we could allow other trees to grow.” Buchanan expressed, “We are hoping to get these trees a nice home for Christmas.” Froach Ferguson, who offers hand-made lip balms, reported a consistent stream of visitors to her stall throughout the evening. She stated, “The feedback we have received has been wonderful from everyone and we have been really pleased with everything.”