New traders
are the potential lifeblood for a market looking to arrest declining trader
numbers and inject variety into our offer. So why do some older traders give
our newbies such a hard time?
There have
been disturbing reports of established traders making life difficult for new
traders. One new casual trader described some of her neighbours as bullies.
Some of our older traders apparently like to take advantage of inexperienced
new traders and suggest that they downsize their stall (so the established
trader can spread) or claim that there is a standing arrangement to put their
box in the new trader’s stall. Often the problem is as simple as a trader
spreading without approval and denying a casual their allocated spot.
It is hard
enough for casuals to set up their stalls, often in different spots each day,
without their neighbours making life more difficult.
As we said
in the opening – new traders are incredibly important to the future of our
market. We need to arrest the decline in trader numbers caused by tough trading
conditions and we need to present a fresh offer to our customers as we compete
with all the other retail options around Melbourne. New traders should be given
a hand up to make sure they have every opportunity for success.
Attempting
to gain an advantage at the expense of a new trader is simply counter-productive.
Let’s get behind all our new traders, stop putting barriers in their way, and offer to assist them in any way
possible. Their success becomes our success. Besides it is what respectful
people do.
