Tuesday 29 March 2016

New CEO for QVM

Malcolm McCullough has been appointed CEO of the Queen Victoria Market.


Announcing the appointment, the Chair of Queen Victoria Market Pty. Ltd, Paul Guerra, said that Mr. McCullough's appointment would bring a new level of retail experience and expertise to the operations and renewal of the market. 

"Malcolm McCullough has more than 30 years experience in the retail sector. He understands all aspects of retail and has consistently driven success for organisations over a long period of time during which there have been some challenging retail times.

"He has worked for a number of iconic companies here and overseas including Bunnings, The Disney Store, the Coles Group, and the Murray Goulburn Cooperative. His roles have involved driving new strategic directions and significant innovation including planning, opening and running a number of new stores in Australia and Asia.

He has also the hands on experience of running his own small retail business.

"Malcolm brings the skills, understanding and expertise to drive the continued and future success of the market, to support and understand our traders and their imperatives now and in a renewed market and to drive customers to the market and deliver on their expectations."

"This is an exciting time for the Market as renewal presents a once in a century opportunity to create a world class market precinct. Malcolm will be working closely with the City of Melbourne to ensure we deliver this."

"It is very pleasing to have been able to appoint a CEO of this calibre to guide the Market through the renewal process and to deliver on a great experience for all customers, traders and the community."

Mr McCullough's appointment was made after an extensive search undertaken by Egon Zehnder.

He will take up his appointment on the 9th May 2016."

The above announcement was made by QVM today - 29/3/2016.



Sunday 27 March 2016

Latest Retail News – 27/3/2016


Latest Retail News – 27/3/2016
1. Specialist accounting firm warns there are more retailers to join Dick Smiths and Laura Ashley in liquidation.
2. Kogan buys Dick Smiths online business.
3. Ex Optus boss joins Telstra’s retail team.
4. French Connections spring and summer ranges fail to impress – profit down.
5. British department store, Liberty, launches its fashion branded accessories at David Jones.
6. Nordstroms expect online sales to reach 30% of turnover by 2020.
7. Dan Murphy’s claim 50% of the online liquor market.
8. Amazon leases another 20 Boeing 767 cargo jets as part of its delivery fleet.
9. Myer reports lower profit on higher sales.
10. Mon Purse expands its leather range to 5 more Myer stores.
11. Smiggle helps Premier Investments first half profit up.
12. Oroton’s half year profit up by 72.5% on back of 12% rise in turnover.
13. Reject Shop outsources its distribution centre.
14. Kathmandu bounces back to profit following more cost cutting and less discounting.
15. Luxury Italian brand, MaxMara, opens at Sydney Airport.
16. Ibisworld says specialty chocolate stores on the rise.
17. Former Liberty UK General Manager joins Harrolds.
18. Pumpkin Patch reports first half loss.
19. ARA says Easter penalty rates are crippling retail.
20. Amazon sues ex logistics chief after taking on job with rival Target.
21. Movenpick opens its largest Australian ice-creamery in George St. Sydney.
22. 70% of Australian retailers say they are not worried by arrival of international retailers.
23. CoM seeks to appoint new Program Manager – Engagement & Partnerships, at QVM.


Is a Car Boot Market Good For QVM

QVM’s first car boot sale starts next Sunday 3rd April and some traders are asking if this is the right sort of activity for our market.

Just 34 stalls have been allocated at the Peel St. end of C Shed every Sunday for a special market. The market is inviting clothing, jewellery, books, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods and more. Stalls start at $40 and bookings can be made online.

Car boot sales are not really new at QVM. Similar operations have been at our market in the past and at least one of our long term traders used to love the opportunity to leave his stall and browse through the second-hand goods for collectable treasures. That is one of the attractions of such sales – you can expect the un-expected. There are few better places to find random and unusual goods.

But some current traders are asking if this the right sort of activity for one of the great markets of the world. There are pros and cons and here are some thoughts that have come up so far –
CONS:
-        Cheap junk doesn’t enhance QVM’s reputation.
-        We want cashed-up customers not penny-thrifts.
-        Low-priced, low margin goods don’t help legitimate traders.
 PROS:
-        Whatever brings customers here is a good thing.
-        We are a market of markets.
-        Bargains attract customers of all demographics.
-        Some traders may want to clear their garages.

What do you think?



COMMENTS:

27/03/2016 17:55:09 Car boot sale "CONS:
- Cheap junk doesn’t enhance QVM’s reputation.
- We want cashed-up customers not penny-thrifts.
If we want cashed up customers coming through the market we need to make it appealing to them. We have trestle tables lined with knock off sneakers & sporting apparel, cheap or knock of kids toys, fashions of the 80s, Aussie rules merchandise that still bears the vfl logo and I could go on and on.
I am not for the car boot sale but the hypocrisy of the two cons mentioned above were too much for me not to make a comment. The focus on for general merchandise has to be neat stall appearance, not overloading stock, invest in some shop fittings and most of all Have stock that is relevant "
Food trader. (This post has been edited to remove some unsubstantiated content.)


Excellence in presentation and stock that excites our customers should be the aim for all areas of our market. Thanks for your input Food Trader - Ed.

Saturday 26 March 2016

Encouraging Our Entrepreneurs

The retail revolution has been described as an amazing opportunity to reinvent the way we do business. Customers are said to be ready for innovation and excitement as they abandon the old ways of shopping and look for new stimuli. The Queen Victoria Market is full of entrepreneurs but are there barriers to their creativity?

What are the things that stop you from being entrepreneurial? What are the things that would make your entrepreneurial ideas easier to implement? What is standing in the way of you achieving change? Is it finance? Is it knowledge? Is it red tape? What help do you need?

Last week this website posted an article about training courses for small business, and gaining knowledge is certainly part of the puzzle. But, as one trader put it recently, sometimes it is just reluctance to reveal new ideas that holds us back. Revealing your new idea requires a degree of trust in the system and perhaps that trust needs some work. A system that actively encourages entrepreneurial input and sets up protective guidelines for the entrepreneur may need to be set up here at QVM.

Of course not every new idea needs approval. The New York burger store that introduced spectacular milkshakes at twice the normal price didn't have to go through an approval process, except perhaps that they probably needed council help to manage the queues outside their store each day. That would be a nice problem to have. (See separate article)

Let's push this conversation. Success in an uncertain retail future will require big doses of entrepreneurial flair. We do need to provide the right conditions for that entrepreneurial flair to grow. What is holding you back?



$20 Milkshakes Create Queues


We just love these stories about bizarre ideas that rock the retail world, or at least one part of it, and this one is about over the top milkshakes that New Yorkers are happy to pay more than double the usual price and queue up for morning noon and night.

Black Tap is a burger joint in New York which makes apparently makes pretty good burgers (the organic turkey burger with avocado, Swiss cheese, and truffle mayo is recommended). However, they really lit up the food scene earlier this year with their selection of milkshake covering a variety of themes and including ingredients like toffee apples, M&M’s, pretzels, cookies, and peanut butter (not altogether thankfully). Although as our photos show, “excess” is a common description when it comes to content and appearance. In a city where US$7 milkshakes are considered expensive these US$15 (A$20) babies show that price is no deterrent to good taste and originality.

Such amazing concoctions have taken off like wildfire and so the owners regularly
have queues out the door and they have found it necessary to open two new outlets in the city. Just a few blocks away is another food icon, the bakery that popularised the Cronut (a combination of croissant and donut) and they also have queues at the door. Of course in both cases the huge impact of social media was a key ingredient in their popularity.


So, if we were to transfer this idea to QVM, what milkshake recipes could we come up with? With such a huge range of natural foods on our doorstep we figure that there is great potential here and we fully expect at least one of our eateries to take up the challenge. Perhaps a doughnut milkshake incorporating a couple of Karl’s delicious doughnuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen?


Monday 21 March 2016

Now This Is A Birthday Cake



A 138th birthday at The Queen Victoria market is impressive although not exactly a number that constitutes a milestone, but we don't care if it resulted in this wonderful birthday cake produced by Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse in the Dairy Hall. I want a slice - no, hang on, don't ruin it! Let's just look at it and drool.

Have Your Say - click here.

Sunday 20 March 2016

City and QVM Strangled By Road Closures

The impacts of different events on business levels at QVM are many and varied and it is easy to be led astray by questionable rationale. How do we know if it is the weather, or that special sporting event, or something completely different impacting on business levels at our market. Well, the latest ingredient to get attention is road closures and this weekend there are many examples of this insidious practice.

The Grand Prix is already known as a business killer in Melbourne. Yes, it brings thousands of tourists to our fair city and it showcases Melbourne to millions of sporting fans worldwide but it definitely doesn’t do much for retail sales. Not only do fans seem to be focused on things other than shopping, but they pretty much block access to the city from the south because of their location at the Albert Park racetrack. Melbourne’s radio traffic reports in the lead up to the big race include warnings to avoid bringing your car through that southern
part of the city.

Then today we had The Run For Kids which involved the closure of many main city access points including the Monash Freeway, the Domain tunnel system, and the Westgate Freeway. Add in major construction work and lane closures on the Tullamarine Freeway and you can see the problem. The Herald-Sun described this as a weekend of traffic chaos. Who could blame Melburnians for staying away from the city and our market in their droves.

Getting the right balance between holding events and letting the city get on with the practice of doing business is very important. On this occasion, our city planners and organisers have got it all horribly wrong. Events like the Grand Prix and the Run For Kids are worthwhile but we need to find ways of conducting them without disrupting other legitimate activities. It is time the State Government did something about the impact of road closures on city business and adopted a professional management approach to the issue.



Nike To Make Self Tying Shoes And A New Service Idea For Shoe Traders.



The movie, "Back To The Future II", had a scene involving self tying shoes and now Nike is going to bring that to reality. Nike calls it "sport-informed adaptive lacing." Place your foot in these shoes and a sensor in the heel tightens up the laces with a couple of buttons provided to adjust the tension.

All great futuristic stuff but it brings to mind a service that our many shoes sellers at QVM could introduce - tying a customer's shoe laces. Sounds crazy right? Everybody knows how to tie their shoe laces, don't they? It has been suggested that most people tie their shoe laces too tight and are reluctant to change the tension throughout the day. For many, bending over and re-tying your shoelaces is an inconvenience. Additionally, the tension needed for walking comfortably around a market is probably quite different to what is needed for walking in a park or on a beach.

A lace-tying station at your shoe stall may be a good way of showing your customers you care, and a great conversation starter. Just a thought.

Friday 18 March 2016

Market Trading Is A Hard Life



The following article was written by Lotta, a freelance journalist and writer in London. Lotta's husband, Gerry, is involved in a clothing business and she got to look after his market stall at Spitalfields Market one weekend. Her intuitive observations on market trading will strike a chord with many traders.

"7 THINGS I LEARNED WHILE SPENDING A WEEKEND TRADING AT SPITALFIELDS MARKET
On Sunday I was standing at a market stall at Spitalfield’s market, watching customers walking past. I was freezing, feeling bored, angry and tried. Life on the markets isn’t easy.
Gerry was doing an art market at Spitalfield’s and I was manning the Plane Clothing t-shirt stall. I’ve done a few markets in the past, but they’ve all been friendly, easy indoor markets. They’ve also been around Christmas time when people spend, spend and spend. Doing a market in April, when half of London is away on Easter Holiday and the other half is watching the London marathon is a different thing altogether. I did learn a few things.

1. Market traders like moaning

If you spend any time at all on the London markets you will meet a varied bunch of other traders. Some have done it for years, some have just started, some are doing the markets because they don’t have any other choice of employment, some are passionate about the product they’ve just started selling.
The one thing all these traders will have in common is the moaning. I did it too. It’s almost impossible to avoid if you’re having a slow day. Moaning and complaining is the market trader equivalent of a doctor joking about his patients, it’s a way to let off steam after a stressful day. You need to complain a bit after the third person walks by and turns their nose up at your stall. Or after someone ignores you when you speak to them.
However it’s easy to get stuck in a negative headspace. This will show through when you start talking to customers. They can smell it, they see it in your tired, dulled eyes. Moan a little bit and then remind yourself of the job you’re there to do.

2. There are plenty of customers out there – some will like your product, some won’t

The market is a stern teacher. If your product isn’t working it won’t sell. But even if you have a good product, not everyone will like it. You will meet some people who adore what you do and some people who don’t understand it at all. What you need to understand is that it’s not personal. Everyone is different. No matter how great your product is it won’t work for everyone.
This gets even more complicated if you do several days at a market where people LOVE what you do and spend money with you one day and no one even wants to look at your product the next day. Again it’s nothing personal, it’s probably just totally random and depends on the customers that happen to come through that day. Try to remind yourself of this. Don’t take the good or the bad days too seriously. Just keep working.
This same advice works for writers and most creatives. Some people just won’t like your style or your subject. Keep working away, put your stuff out there. Learn from the constructive feedback you get and believe in your product.

3. Remember the basics, food and staying warm

It’s easy to forget about eating when you’re watching the stall the whole day. Market trading is tiring work. Eating will make you less grumpy. Staying caffeinated and warm is also important. Make friends with the traders around you and ask one of them to watch your stall when you get a take away from somewhere. Be friendly. Offer to bring people tea or coffee. Wear good shoes.

4. Don’t scare the customers – but talk to them

This is something I learned quite early on. Stand outside the stall, that makes the whole thing less intimidating for people who want to have a closer look at your product. Let them browse at their own pace, but always say hi and make eye-contact if you can. Tell them about the product, but only if they’re in the stall and looking at your lovely wares.

5. Market traders are doing a tough job so make sure you treat them with respect

Market traders run small businesses, many of them make or source their own products. They work their asses off the days they’re not trading and when they’re doing market days they drag all their stuff to a stall, set it up in the morning, stand around selling the whole day and then pack everything down at night. It’s a tough job. Most people who do it voluntarily like it on some level (even though they moan), otherwise they wouldn’t be doing it because it’s fucking hard.
Most of these people are professionals. They and their products should be treated with respect. A market stall is their shop. Don’t put your pram in the stall and have a long phone conversation, you’re taking up space and valuable time. No one will browse through the product when you’re standing there. Don’t flick through the products like it was total cheap garbage, this isn’t Primark. Don’t be rude if you’re spoken to, the traders are just doing their job.
Most customers are great, but some clearly left their manners at home.

6. Market trading can be great – but don’t let that fool you

There is a certain freedom to the job, You’re your own boss, you choose your own hours. On good days you can walk home with your pockets stuffed full of cash. Every time a happy customer walks away it gives you a little boost. Sometimes you’re so buzzed and happy it’s a bit difficult to sleep. But market trading is also insecure, your product can work one day and be totally overlooked the next. You’re depending on the whims of the market so stay flexible, work on other avenues, have a website and put your stuff up online. Make sure you have a mailing list, connect with your customers on Facebook or Twitter. It’s easy to get addicted to those good market days, but for most traders that won’t be enough to sustain a business.

7. Have fun

Even when the weather is shitty, when you’re cold, when no one buys anything, try to have fun. There are always interesting people to hang out with. Make friends. Chat about life and listen to all the interesting stories around you. If you’re spending any time at a market you’ll be surrounded by the most fascinating, creative and brave people you’ve ever met in your life."


COMMENTS:
From the QVM Traders Facebook page: "This is a must read for traders and customers..." - Drita McLennan 18/3/2016

Some Traders Need A Kick Up......

The one subject that traders are probably the most sick of reading about is retail change. We have almost become numb to the constant wailing about the need for change and that is ok as long as you are a trader who at some stage has listened and reacted. Those who haven't, really need to respond now.

A recent article on LinkedIn by a guy called Bob Nardelli (ex CEO of The Home Depot and Chrysler) talked about the end of 2-3 year business plans. He said that some plans today only last 2-3 days because the rate of change and uncertainty is so dynamic particularly in industries like energy (and not much less in retailing). Imagine setting a business plan based on the global price of oil just 6 months ago. That plan would now be in tatters and in fact if you didn't react straight away to that situation, you are probably no longer in business, unless you bet on a price fall.

Changes in retailing have been dynamic but there are still many market traders conducting their businesses in exactly the same way they were 5, 10, or even 20 years ago. The single biggest change of course is in the way shoppers shop. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review, "In The Future Of Retail, We're Never Not Shopping", just nails the problem for those retailers who haven't changed. Shoppers now have many different ways of shopping, and if you are still doing things they way you did 5 or 10 years ago you are only covering one aspect of modern retailing. If you are just waiting for shoppers to come past your stall, like we all used to do, then you are missing the shoppers who have discovered other ways of sourcing your goods. And it doesn't matter how much you complain, or how much you wish the old days would come back, or how much you blame others (management) for your dilemma - things are unlikely to change for you.

Ready for some reading? Here are some articles that might kick-start that change in your business and you can join all those traders who have already made a start.

Don't believe in change for changes sake? Well, here is an excellent article by a strategist called Jon Steel - http://www.wpp.com/wpp/marketing/digital/basic-instinct/ in which he cleverly compares age old methods of communicating with customers (would you believe graffiti from the ancient city of Pompeii) and how that ties in with modern communication. He doesn't believe in change for changes sake but he has some interesting observations on how to apply age old business principles in new ways.

Finally, we recently wrote about some great low cost business courses set up by Small Business Victoria. These could be a very effective way of embracing new retailing in your business. - http://www.victraders.com/2016/03/low-cost-digital-workshops-from-small.html 

The bottom line is that there is plenty of information out there to help traders who want to start determining their own future. 




Monday 14 March 2016

You Want To Be A Trader Representative Because...



You may have heard that a new election for Trader Representatives is in the air and sub-committees are currently working on a new representative structure to carry us forward into the exciting, yet daunting prospect of a market renewal. What are the desirable qualities for a Trader Representative? Are you a possible candidate for that role or do you have somebody else in mind? It is probably a good time to take a look at what makes up a Trader Representative.

You want to be a Trader Representative Because...........
- You believe traders can help achieve great things for the QVM.
- Traders need a clear voice to help influence the direction of our market.
- The future of QVM  will need collaboration of market owners and traders.
- At night, and early in the morning you think about market issues.
- You feel you can make a difference.
- The essential ingredient of retail expertise in the running of QVM needs to come from traders.
- You recognise that there are many stakeholders at QVM and any solution may involve some compromise.
- You are good at working with traders, management, bureaucrats, and similar groups who are intent on making your life really difficult.
- You can smile in the face of adversity.
- You realise that the best solution may not always be the most popular.
- You encourage others to get involved.
- You embrace Yoda's quote - "Do or do not, there is no try."

- At all times you will abandon self interest in your decision making.
- You greet a 20 page document on any subject as an opportunity to better understand market problems and you hope it will have lots of deep analysis.
- Sound evidence and analysis are better than pure gut feelings any day.
- Traders are real people who deserve to be earnestly listened to, and their views carefully considered.
- Management are real people who deserve to be earnestly listened to, and their views carefully considered.
- You have reasonable expertise in modern digital communication.
- You prepare for meetings because you want to make a difference.
- You embrace meetings and discussions as an opportunity to reach useful conclusions.
- Achieving results is more important than just talking.
- You understand that success is sometimes a series of small steps.
- You have a positive view of our markets future and you want others to embrace that future.
- You care.


This is just one persons view of what makes a Trader Representative. Contributions welcome.

Greg Smith - Trader Representative.

Have Your Say - click here.


COMMENTS:
14/03/2016 15:47:06 trader representatives " As far as I'm concerned the present team of trade and representatives we have are the best we've had ever and I would like them to stay and keep going as long as possible thank you. 
You cannot please everyone at any time all of the time no matter who you are and no matter how good you are.there always be those who  will oppose anything ,  from anyone at any time .  It's the Sad nature I'm afraid of us humans .this goes back to Biblical times . As I recall  even  A man called Jesus was crucified." Andy

Thanks for your comments Andy.

Sunday 13 March 2016

Latest Retail News – 13/3/2016

Latest Retail News – 13/3/2016
1. Rebels second “accelerate” concept store opens at Chatswood in Sydney.
2. Australian lingerie retailer, Bras’ n’ Things, expands to South Africa.
3. Adidas plans 3000 new stores in China.
4. Penfolds announced as world’s most admired wine brand.
5. Lindt to open new store at Essendon’s DFO.
6. ABS and NAB say January retail sales up but online down.
7. Samsung opens its latest uber-trendy flagship in Manhattan but doesn’t sell anything.
8. Myer to close Brookside store in Queensland.

News Briefs:
Target To Open First New Generation Store In NSW -  Target’s new look is to be unveiled at Chatswood this week. The store will include styling experts, in-store café, click and collect service, a T-shirt printing station where customers can bring their own designs create their own fashion, on-site clothing alteration service and a digital photo kiosk.

Interesting Statistics On Meat Consumption

Roy Morgan research has revealed that the proportion of Australian grocery buyers purchasing their fresh meat at the butchers has declined over the last 3 years. The overall meat market is declining although butchers are the most affected.

Butchers still hold a significant share of the total fresh meat market with a higher average weekly spend than supermarkets - $37 versus $27 for Woolworths and $25 for Coles. According to the survey meat purchased at markets and delicatessens came in at $34 in an average seven days.


More details on the research can be found here - http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6693-decline-of-the-butcher-201602232312


Low Cost Digital Workshops From Small Business Victoria

A new listing for digital workshops has come out from Small Business Victoria. They are in both local and regional areas. The workshops are at a very low cost and run by professional facilitators and experts in the field. 
We suggest you go to the link below, key in the topic you are interested in or simply scroll through the categories.  


Opportunity To Promote Small Scale Manufacturing

The City of Melbourne has joined with other near city councils to promote smaller manufacturing businesses through a special website and a number of QVM traders could make use of the service.

"makers.melbourne is a mapping site designed to create a community for small-scale urban manufacturers/makers to promote their products and services while contributing to valuable research conducted by the University of Melbourne."

Full details are available on line here - http://makers.melbourne/

"makers.melbourne provides the opportunity to support a vibrant and diverse manufacturing sector across metropolitan Melbourne. Local manufacturing encourages innovation, creates employment and contributed to the city’s character. Makers displayed on this site will also be participating in an important research project, called Urban Manufacturing, which looks at exploring trends and movement of Makers in and around Melbourne. Participation in this project is by completing the website registration and accompanying survey which will provide the data needed to support makers in the future.
Manufacturers can use maker.melbourne to:
  • Promote their business and reach more consumers;
  • Find other local suppliers and contractors;
  • Extend into new supply chains.
Consumers can use makers.melbourne to:
  • Find the latest in food, fashion, furnishings and other products from emerging designers;
  • Reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development by buying local; and
  • Help create jobs in your community."

More Congestion But More Customers

The development of the northern end of Melbourne’s CBD is pushing forward at a frantic pace with supporters and detractors expressing their views on a regular basis.

The proposed Munro site development is reaching the final evaluation stage with two preferred candidates for the multi level high rise on Therry Street expected to be reduced to one by June. The latest development announcement close to the Queen Victoria Market is this week’s twin tower 79 story apartment and retail complex slated for 350 Queen St. which is located between A’Beckett and Latrobe Streets, just two blocks from the market.

Like other developments there are concerns being expressed about the possible over supply of apartments in the city and issues with the impact on infrastructure, concerns about wind, over shadowing, traffic flow, and the list goes on. Proponents talk about the measured development of Melbourne as a liveable city for a growing band of residents attracted to what the city has to offer. And for those in the northern end of the CBD what could be more tantalising than living close to our wonderful Queen Victoria Market.


At the risk of displaying some self interest it is noted that the new development at 350 Queen St. will include a staggering 1600 apartments which translates to a lot of potential market customers. A couple of years ago the then CEO of the City of Melbourne, Kathy Alexander, told a group of traders that the gradual loss of locals parking in our market car park would be replaced by huge growth in inner city apartment living. Is this the sort of growth she was talking about and is this enough to give traders a springboard for gaining new business opportunities in the future?


Heard Under The Sheds

Sunglasses Needed Here - This is the second week in a row that we have had a photo of our illustrious cleaner, Pete, on Victraders.com and this time it is in reference to his new uniform which according to Tony Pierrakos is eye dazzling. I think we can see what Tony means.
Incidentally, the editor of Victraders was almost refused service at Romeo's Cafe this week for daring to suggest that Pete's job may be at risk with the QVM cleaning contract under review. See last week's "Heard Under The Sheds". Pete is obviously highly respected in many quarters.

American Doughnut Kitchen Seeks Photos - Karl from the American Doughnut Kitchen has asked traders to bring forward any historical photos of the iconic van as it enters its 65th year of operation at QVM and he also congratulates the organisers of the River Trial promotion during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

13/03/2016 06:31:44 History "A shout out to our fellow Vic Market traders. The American Doughnut Kitchen has a long history with 65 years of continuous trading at QVM. We are compiling a history of the business and need your help. If you have any old photos of the van or market activity with the van ""in shot"" we would very much appreciate a copy, or, if you have any stories that you would like to share with us. These can be dropped off at the van, please leave your name so that I can thank you." Karl,  ADK

13/03/2016 06:44:15 River Trail "Congratulations QVM on a well organized promotion at The Arts Center and a thank you to fellow traders for your hospitality over the three day event. " Karl ADK

Here are a couple of photos that we came across Karl - 















Our Easter Banner - this is a peek at the new web banner promoting Easter at QVM.



Sunday Car Boot Sale At QVM - here are the details shown on the QVM website.


DESCRIPTION

Wheel and deal your second hand wares at Queen Vic Market every Sunday!
On any given Sunday we have up to 35,000 visitors at the Market looking for great value bargains among clothing, jewellery, books, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods and more. Located at the Peel St end of C Shed, Car Boot Sundays is your opportunity to sell your pre-loved goods to these Market shoppers.
There are only 34 stalls available each week – so book online, drive in and sell your loot from your boot!
What is it?
· A new car boot sale at Queen Victoria Market every Sunday!
Where is it?
· Queen Victoria Market, Peel Street end of C Shed (drive-in entry from Peel Street)
· The Market space is fully undercover in our heritage sheds
When will it be running?
· Car Boot Sundays will run from 8am-3pm every Sunday excluding public holidays.  
· Arrival and set up at the market must be between 6.30am- 7.30am, fully set up by 8am, so make sure you get in early to secure a good spot - Spots are allocated on the day!  See images below for location and site map of the market and stall areas.
How much are stalls?
· Stalls are $40 each including GST and the booking fee
How big are the stalls?
· Stalls are 2.4m (wide) x 7.5m (deep)
What can I sell?
  • Second hand goods (household, clothing and footwear, collectables, fashion accessories, furniture, books, records etc.) and old or vintage wares


Have Your Say - click here.

Thursday 10 March 2016

Tourism – Opportunity For Traders To Engage With Industry


Destination Melbourne is conducting two April tourism workshops that could be of interest to traders looking to maximise their involvement with this important customer group. QVM have expressed an interest in attending with a group of traders. More information can be obtained from the links below or you may wish to contact marketing staff.

Tourism Explained Briefing
Date & Time:
28 Apr 2016 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Venue:
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
131-135 Bourke Street
Melbourne  VIC
Tourism Explained with Ray Schleibs & special guests
This Tourism Explained briefing is for anyone wanting to learn more about the structure of the tourism industry, the demographics and motivations of visitors to Melbourne and the opportunities to engage and network within the industry. It’s also a valuable session for businesses that may not traditionally see themselves as part of tourism but can foresee tourism as a growth opportunity for their business. Learn how to stay informed about visitors to Melbourne and ensure you capitalise on opportunities for increased visitation.
Cost: $30pp including GST.

Designing Visitor Experiences that Delight
Date & Time:
29 Apr 2016 9:00am - 4:30pm
Venue:
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
131-135 Bourke Street
Melbourne  VIC
When designing visitor experiences that delight, you first need to foster a deep understanding of your visitor and then apply the latest thinking, concepts and tools. This will help you to redesign your product offering and keep it aligned with visitor trends and needs.  With a competitive and forever changing tourism landscape, it’s increasingly important to create impactful visitor centric experiences that will delight the visitor, drive positive sharing and comments via social media and ensure business sustainability.
Cost: $200pp including GST.