THE market has officially been put back into Pershore after ex-stallholders officially opened their new shop.

Pershore Market's legacy has continued after eight stallholders opened a new shop called Pershore Emporium on High Street today (Saturday).

Customers far and wide had shared their sadness after hearing the news that Pershore Market would be closing for good after Aldi bought the site.

Worcester News: Pershore Town Crier, Robert Speight, did the honours of opening the shop.Pershore Town Crier, Robert Speight, did the honours of opening the shop. (Image: NQ)Many stallholders were left unsure of what to do with their businesses, which led to a few rallying together to open up their market shop.

The Towns Crier Robert Speight pulled a blue ribbon to mark the opening of the store.

Marylin Stanley and her husband, George, have been regulars at the market for the past three years. 

Mrs Stanley said: "It feels really good to know the market is continuing - it just seems funny to come to Pershore and there to be no market.

"The market was Pershore so to have this is really good and a purpose to come here."

Harrods Vintage Teddy Bears, Ashmead Gifts (The Christmas Shop), Pershore Crafters, Pershore Mobility, Ruebens, Lucky Fox Illustrations and Something Special Framing will be selling items in the store.

Worcester News: Various items are for sale in the store.Various items are for sale in the store. (Image: NQ)The store has been split into various sections, showcasing each of the eight shops with a stallholder sitting at a table in their display.

Towards the back of the shop is Pershore Mobility, owned by Stephen Thompson, which has been a staple in the market for over four years.

He said he would not have been able to run his business if it had not been for Pershore Emporium.  

Worcester News: A mixture of craft items in Pershore Emporium. A mixture of craft items in Pershore Emporium. (Image: NQ)"Unfortunately, markets are becoming a thing of the past, and we were unfortunate that Pershore Market was not making enough money.

"It was only inevitable that it was going to close, and I don't think I would have restarted this business if it wasn't for this place (Pershore Emporium)."

Rueben Ruff, owner of Ruebens, added: "Retail is tough. Two years in the market, and I enjoyed every second of it - what made it sad to me was that the market was a meeting place for the older generation.

"Hopefully, they can still do that now, but it will be on a much smaller scale because we are a lot smaller."

Pershore Emporium will be open seven days a week.