THERE are fears that a lack of visibility could drive long-serving Carlisle market traders out of business. Business owners and traders in the city’s Market Hall say they are suffering as customers have failed to return in numbers following the easing of coronavirus restrictions. Rachael Gillgrass, who owns the Baby Bit store in the hall, has called on the city council for support. She said: “I think that if something is not done soon, a lot of the traders and small businesses will close and the market could close. “It’s such a historic building and it’s got so much potential for the current traders and new businesses.
CUSTOMERS have flocked back to the high street in recent weeks according to new figures - but not everyone has felt the benefits. Location data from Google reveals that non-essential retail and recreation venues were much busier last Saturday April 17, than the previous Saturday – though they were still far from reaching pre-pandemic levels. Google uses location data from phones and other personal devices to track trends in people s movement in their daily lives. The figures show average activity in Cumbria s hospitality venues and non-essential shops was 178% lower last Saturday than pre-pandemic levels, recorded during a five-week period early in 2020. But that was higher than on Saturday April 10, when activity was 345% below normal.
BUSINESSES throughout Cumbria have come back to life following the first week of the relaxed coronavirus restrictions. From Monday, hairdressers, nail bars, gyms, pubs and cafes with outdoor dining, and a host of other shops have been able to open for the first time this year. And shoppers have come back to high streets in droves. One of the businesses that reopened this week was The Baby Bit at Carlisle’s Market Hall, which originally started trading last August. The children’s clothing and accessories outlet is run by Rachael Gillgrass and has opened just ahead of an expected spring and summer busy period.