THE Walled City Market maee a welcome return to its home in the Guildhall Square yesterday, Saturday, September 5, as local traders got back to rebuilding business in the city centre.
The market returned in a slightly reduced capacity yesterday which allowed shoppers plenty of space for social distancing, and customers were asked to be conscientious and follow any guidance while shopping.
Local traders hav been focusing on the safe return of customers in recent weeks, as they adapt to new business guidelines and work to restore customer confidence and boost footfall in the city centre.
Council recently launched its Small Spend Giant Difference campaign to support local businesses by encouraging people to shop local where possible and help sustain smaller local traders as they enter the recovery period following the Covid-19 lockdown.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Brian Tierney, visited the market to see for himself the safe return to outdoor trading.
“I was delighted to see the Walled City Market return on Saturday, which provided an excellent platform for local traders and a safe outdoor space for shoppers,” he declared.
“This was the first time since February.
“And I picked up a few wee treats!
“Much planning has gone into ensuring the market can operate in a way that’s of benefit to both customers and traders.
“Council has been working closely with local traders to ensure we can facilitate their needs and create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
“These are very challenging times and we realise that we have to be creative in our approaches to support local businesses as they get back on their feet.
“Through the Small Spend Giant Difference campaign we want to get the message out there that we have a wonderful range of suppliers and a fantastic array of products right here on our own doorstep.
“We should all be doing our bit to support them when we can, by shopping local and boosting the local economy to the benefit of everyone.”
The market will initially run for just one day per month, from 11 am-5 pm with plans to increase capacity when it returns in October subject to demand.
