Treasures lie off the beaten track

From clothing boutiques to family-run delis, the city centre is awash with local traders all trying to survive the recession. But Worcester city centre independents continue to trade and many have added their voice to our Buy Local campaign.

Chris Nunan, manager of the market in Angel Place, Worcester, said: “Markets are a British tradition and we don’t want to see them disappear. “I’d say 90 per cent of our stallholders are local to Worcester and they are suffering just as much as the shops.

“ I thought in a recession more people would choose the market, but the shops keep on lowering their prices, and they’re finding it hard to compete with that.”

With 45 stalls, Worcester’s market is a hotbed for local trade, but it is not the only independent quarter.

In the Hopmarket there is an independent sweet shop, a haberdasherie, a dancewear stockist, tattoo parlour, jewellers, vintage clothing store and more. Hopmarket Trophies, selling and engraving a wide range of medals and trophies, was established in 1976. Another family businesses supporting the Buy Local cause is Mac & Jac’s deli in Friar Street, Worcester.

The cafe and shop is run by husband and wife Jacky and Callum Hughes, along with son Dan. Inside is a treasure trove of local produce, from Malvern cider to Worcester cheese.

“One of our aims from the start was to stock local foods,” said Mrs Hughes. “People like to buy local produce and support an independent business at the same time.”

These are just some of the city centres traders supporting our Buy Local campaign – Osbournes Stationery and The Paint Box in Mealcheapen Street; Lynne Craig and Anja Potza in Friar Street; Sutcliffe & Co Insurance in Foundry Street and Stripes and Pritchard Jewellery in Foregate Street.

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