Heard Under The Sheds – 15/4/2018

A quote from one of our traders – The nay-sayers used to say about our market “If it is not broken don’t fix it”. Then they said “It just needs a coat of paint”. Now we know it is broken, and a coat of paint isn’t the answer, do they have another option? Maybe a showcase market pavilion?

Lord Mayoral Candidate Sally Capp was seen in our market on Saturday talking to traders. She was accompanied by Board Member David Mann.

Experienced Traders – you could tell the experienced traders who knew what the weather was bringing on Saturday and moved from their Peel St facing stalls to other locations in the market for the day.

Weather Proofing – Saturday’s storms brought the expected response from traders. When will we make some useful expenditure at our market and provide protection for customers and traders? String Bean Alley and F Shed traders were not the only ones to lose on the day.

A trader has asked if anybody has met a mentor yet?

A sigh of relief from some traders when it was revealed that Phil Cleary could not run for Lord Mayor due to the fact that he was not correctly registered.

A trader had to feel sorry for the tourists at his stall on Saturday who had bought light clothing in Friday’s 26 degree heat only to be greeted by 12 degrees (feels like 6.3) on Saturday morning. Our weather does test the inexperienced traveller. Actually it probably tests any traveller.

No trader departures advised this week although one of our String Bean Alley Traders is giving up his container in favour of his other stall and another has asked if they can advertise their business for sale on Victraders. As mentioned elsewhere there is some concern that without renewal activity we will now see more departures.

Management Departures - We have reports that Fiona Whitworth has resigned and will be leaving the market in June. We understand there are no complications here, just a straight forward career move.

Arrivals - Vic Market Gifts have announced the arrival of their newest worker, Max. Welcome to Max.

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Latest Retail News – 15/4/2018

Latest Retail News – 15/4/2018
1. Adidas says it will shift focus to online.
2. More food in shopping centres means more competition for current operators.
3. Aussie brand Homebodii gets Nordstrom deal.
4. Nine West files for bankruptcy in US.
5. 99 year old founder of Godfreys looks to buy back struggling business.
6. Amazon Australia says it still has a long way to go.
7. Baby Bunting warns that other retailers clearing stock during administration will hurt their results.
8. NAB says retail is on the up, but continues to underperform other sectors.
9. Chinese market supplier links up with 150 store pharmacy chain Chemsave to expand its diagou operation.
10. Michael Hill fails to secure a buyer for its US operations.
11. UK supermarket giant, Tesco, reports huge jump in profit after several years in doldrums.
12. Toys’R’Us reports billion dollar bids for Asian operations.
13. Online optical business, Vision Direct, to open first flagship store in Melbourne.

I Shopped The World This Week And It Taught Me Something

I bought a watch this week - a not too expensive, particular model of a particular brand.

When my wife complained about spending money (I do have other watches) I explained that I had scored a bargain (I love reversing that common shopping justification).

I had purchased this watch at the best price, not just in Melbourne, not even just in Australia, but at the best price in the whole wide world. I had trolled google, ebay, Amazon, and every other option I could think of, and purchased from a reputable dealer in the US. There was one cheaper price online but I can’t quite shop in Belarus with confidence.

And did I feel guilty for not purchasing from one of the excellent QVM watch sellers? Well, yes, I like to give my business to traders where possible, but this was one item that was not readily available in the market. Of course customers rarely use emotion in their choice of seller.

This little experience got me thinking. What happens when customers search for my products? How do I compare with my worldwide competitors? What point of difference do I offer to meet my customer’s needs? Maybe these are questions we should all be asking.

Have Your Say - Click here.

Social Media The Answer To Customer Mistrust?

Writer and entrepreneur, Scott Oldford, wrote in Entrepreneur Magazine this week- “I’m sorry to tell you this, but most people don’t trust you.”

And it is true - particularly in a market. We have come a long way from the bad old days when market traders sold nothing but rejects, or what had fallen off the back of a truck, but our heritage is a little tainted.

Customers don’t trust us, at least at first contact, and the selling process doesn’t give a lot of time to correct that impression. It might be said that the whole intent of the selling process is to convince customers that we are wholesome individuals that they can trust with their spending. This is where social media comes in.

Testimonials to our credibility as retailers will often help new customers feel comfortable with us. Written words, quotes, or photographs on social media like Facebook, Instagram, and others can be very helpful in creating pre-trust amongst potential customers. One of our traders who does that very well is Mino Voloder (see photo above).

The written word (or photograph) can have remarkable credibility and influence. The importance of this type of communication is illustrated by the ongoing attempts across social media to keep things clean, remove false news, and avoid fake testimonials. “Likes” on Facebook, positive feedback on eBay, and good reviews generally are all very important to serious retailers.

So, if you don’t have social media exposure then get some (the QVM Marketing team may be able to help you here). Ask your customers to give feedback and reviews, and ask if they would object to you posting a photograph on your social media.

Social media is a rich new source of exposure for traders and most of it is free.

Have Your Say - click here.

An Old Fashioned Power Struggle Is Killing Our Market

Outsiders are rightly confused by our market at the moment. On one hand the CoM wants to spend millions upgrading the market while some of those most likely to benefit from improvements, its traders, are saying don’t change anything.

A number of traders made submissions at the Future Melbourne Committee (a key arm in the City of Melbourne administration) on Tuesday 3^rd April in relation to a planning permit for the proposed New Market Pavilion in Queen St. Bruce Pham, Greg Smith, Marshall Waters, Rocco Tripodi and Peter Langtry submitted in favour of the permit while Jenny Pyke and Tim Moore submitted against.

Of course it is not just a group of Traders who are putting up the objections. Outside groups including Friends of the Market, and various “celebrities” are adding their voices to a popular cause. But is it really popular are we just strangling the argument? Like many politically motivated activities, including elections, the split usually ends up roughly 50% for and 50% against, which is fine if you don’t really want to achieve much. The real need somehow gets lost in all the different opinions, some informed, some ill-informed.

So what about the bulk of traders? A trader survey done by market staff some time ago came up with a “Yes” to Renewal. There will be constant argument about what type of renewal, and how far we go, but the bottom line is that the majority of traders realise we need change.

It is a constant source of frustration to this writer that there are traders who celebrate every rebuff to QVM and CoM plans (think underground and New Market pavilion) but then admit they are looking in to an abyss of no action and the continuing decline of our market. Usually, the only solution they have is to throw more money at advertising.  Incidentally, a unique market pavilion that showcases the best of what we have to offer may be the best advertising we have ever had, and that is not just this writer’s view.

While traders can’t make up their mind who or what to support, there are two things clearly happening at QVM.

Firstly, traders are leaving in increasing numbers. Three left last week and thankfully none so far this week although one trader is closing his String Bean Alley business and another has asked if Victraders will advertise their business for sale. A disturbing number of traders are now saying “I was only waiting around for renewal. If that is going to be delayed again, then maybe it is time to move on.”

Secondly, QVM are clearly preparing for tough times. They are clearing the decks in middle management, changing roles in upper management, and making sure that the company that relies on rental income from a depleting number of traders, is best placed to survive.

One trader summarised the situation this week as follows - “On the one hand we have a group of traders, box hire operators, and others who want to run the market for their purposes, but use somebody else’s money. On the other hand we have a management who are sick of bashing their heads against a wall of dissent and are prepared to wait out the process. And then we have a State Government who will do anything to delay a decision until after the State election in November. I wonder who are going to be the victims in that little scenario?”

An old fashioned power struggle is killing our market. Maybe we need an old fashioned dictator leader to re-invigorate the whole process and get us a result. Could that be Sally Capp, Ben Rimmer, or Paul Guerra?

By Greg Smith

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Choosing A Name For Your Business

Some new retailer names (at least new to us) came across our desk this week and got us thinking about the process of naming our businesses. These ones have chosen very brief and cryptic initials but according to the link at the bottom of this article there is a definite science to business naming.

CdG - stands for Comme Des Garçons and they are a Japanese fashion brand with representation across the globe including a store in Somerset Lane in Melbourne. They are known for quirky forward thinking fashion and, as an example, their range includes an anti-perfume called scent of gunpowder.

b8ta - is a tech gear retailer that is developing a new concept. They rent out space to tech gear suppliers who get 100% of sales, don’t have to get involved in landlord negotiations, are supplied with shop fittings and state of the art technology, all for a fixed monthly fee based on square footage. They were announced US store of the year for 2018.

COS - has been around for a little while and the name stands for Collection of Style. They are a fashion stablemate of H&M with stores in Melbourne CBD and Chadstone.

Link about business naming: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/311895

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How To Get Greater Productivity From Employees And Traders

Gap Stores have introduced a new strategy for dealing with its employees which has reaped huge rewards for little expenditure and may have relevance for market trading.

According to an article in Inc. Magazine, Gap conducted a trial in 28 of its stores pitting “control stores” against those which introduced consistent work schedules for their employees. 

Traditional wisdom said that keeping employees “on their toes” with “lean and mean” staffing arrangements was the way to go. This study proved otherwise. A number of measures were introduced to give employees more surety –

1.     Managers were no longer able to change shifts at very short notice.

2.     As many employees as possible were given guaranteed hours per week.

3.     Rosters were posted at least 2 weeks in advance.

4.     Consistent start and end times for shifts.

5.     Rostering more staff for peak periods.

The stores that embraced the more predictable work environment achieved a 7% productivity increase which was worth a staggering $3million to Gap.

Now, we mentioned a possible relevance to market traders and here is the connection. Traders are required to perform an incredible variety of different tasks in their small businesses ranging from the bottom of the pile (cleaning and other menial tasks) to more high level things like forward planning, business loans and leases, bulk buying contracts, and so on. Getting some structure and predictability in place is important for efficient operation and the more we fragment and create uncertainty, the less efficient we are going to be.

Traders are constantly crying out for direction and surety. The whole debate over tenure is based on that desire for surety. Things like renewal are always going to throw a spanner in the works, and innovation will always have an unpredictable element, but the easier we can make that process, the more productive we can be. Sometimes traders don’t help that process with their own complications and sometimes it is apparent lack of empathy from management that is the culprit.

Maximising surety in the retail environment is not easy but if the Gap experience is any guide, the rewards for all participants might be substantial.

Have Your Say – click here.

Heard Under The Sheds – 8/4/2018

Traders Departing Update – The iconic livestock stall (chickens and ducks) on Queen St. traded for the last time on Saturday after what we believe was 45 years of trading. A trader in K Shed also called it quits whilst we understand that at least two permanent traders have asked to be transferred to the casual list.

CBD Report – one customer reported that they had just ventured up from the CBD (late morning on Saturday) and she believed we had a bigger crowd at the market than in the city.

Big Screens – a couple of traders are asking why we can’t have big screens at the market, showing off major events like the Commonwealth Games. That would add to the buzz, and give customers a nice interlude as they shopped. It could also encourage them to shop longer.

Responsible Trader – praiseworthy action by trader Noni when she spied a man stealing a wallet from a leather accessory stall. She quickly retrieved the stolen item from the culprit and then followed him closely to ensure he did not steal from another trader before security arrived and escorted him from the market. That is the sort of community oriented action we like to see from traders. The number that traders can call to notify security is 0414550451.

140^th Anniversary Celebrations – One of our Market Officers is wondering who the first trader will be to offer 140% discount as part of the 140^th birthday celebrations. Maybe we need to send him to that small business course entitled “How not to go broke by giving away money.”

Betty Jennings On QVM Board – Yes, our April Fool’s joke did get some reaction and we can categorically dismiss the rumour that Betty has gone out and bought a silk jacket and a big cigar.

School Holiday Crowds – thanks to Joe for pointing out that whilst Victoria and Queensland school holidays started last weekend, school holidays in every other state start on 14^th April so we have more visitors to look forward to.

Will There Be A Feed-off From Commonwealth Games? – Joe also pointed out that the Sydney Olympics didn’t generate a lot of extra tourism in Melbourne after that event finished. Interestingly, there was a newspaper article during the week suggesting that Gold Coast cafes were reporting a 35% drop in business during the games. That probably makes sense if visitors to the Gold Coast are focused on sporting events rather than simple shopping. As always, attempting to predict retail trends can be a minefield.

Council Considers NMP Planning Permit – an application to vary the plans for the New Market Pavilion with a smaller structure went before Council this week. Council’s decision was to make "no decision at this time" which may reflect the Council operating under an Acting Lord Mayor and an election coming up next month.

Have Your Say – click here.

Brutal Retailing Means No Fanfare

Mick Fanning’s last surfing competition ended in a crowd carry and plenty of publicity while my trading neighbours last day on Saturday, after 25 years at QVM, got nothing more than a couple of handshakes.

This was just another day for the trader. In fact the only difference is that the stock levels on display were a bit low and instead of putting stock back into the storage boxes at the end of the day, he emptied his boxes and loaded up a trailer for the last ride.

Let me say upfront that I am not blaming anyone for that, and I am not criticising management for failing to recognise service. This is retailing. This is taking the good with the bad. This is the hard reality for many small businesses. When you complete a shop lease you simply move on, often leaving behind many friends and associates, customers and fellow business operators. In this case the trader had made a good living from QVM and was well set up for the future.

But being pragmatic doesn’t lessen the sadness in seeing a fellow trader leave our market. Like many of our market neighbours he was a good friend and I valued the many and varied discussions on a Saturday.

I am sure he will agree that he was a victim of the retail revolution. His product category (clothing and footwear) has been particularly hard hit by globalisation, online, and the influx of many overseas competitors into the Australian market. He will be leaving behind a rich contribution to QVM and has asked to stay on the casual list at QVM because “Who knows what the future may bring?”

Retailing icon Sam Walton once said “There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.” Times change and there is no need for fanfares in the roller coaster that is retailing. We simply take stock, move on, and start the next phase of our business lives. One thing that retailing, and small business generally, teaches us, is that flexibility is very, very important. 

By Greg Smith

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Latest Retail News – 8/4/2018

Latest Retail News – 8/4/2018
1. Walmart are adding 500 more pick-up towers in-store.
2. UBS predicts less emphasis on price in supermarkets war.
3. Wesfarmers reported to be seeking buyer for Bunnings UK.
4. Online grocery will be the next big push in retail according to Inside Retail.
5. Major shareholder to take over Oroton.
6. President Trump attacks retailer, Amazon.
7. Red Lea Chicken with 28 franchised stores closes down.
8. Lovisa shares fall as CEO quits.
9. H&M to launch off-price marketplace for discounted clothing with online and in-store structure.
10. Woolworths to speed up plastic bag ban.
11. Flight Centre receives $12.5m fine for price fixing around 10 years ago.
12. Murray-Goulburn shareholders approve $1.3b sale to Canada’s Saputo.
13. Westfield warns it will curate centres for progressive retailers.

Articles – Start A New Business, How To Maximise Instagram Marketing, Big Stores Go Small…..

Some very interesting articles came across our desk this week.

Starting a new business or “side-operation” for less than $1000 – this is an American article but the job descriptions are universal and with more of us experiencing some quiet time in our market businesses, perhaps there could be a valuable tip or two.

We quite like the Wedding Planner(saw the movie) or Personal Shopper (doing shopping for someone else). https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2018/04/07/side-gig-opportunties-businesses-you-can-start-less-than-1000-dollars/490888002/

Maximising Instagram marketing – with Facebook a bit on the nose and some good reports on digital communication through Instagram, this article may just be the ticket - https://www.thebalance.com/instagram-marketing-tips-2531448

Big retailers going small – Target can produce twice the sales per square foot in smaller stores and they aren’t the only big retailers looking to go smaller - https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianneslovak/2018/04/05/why-big-box-retailers-target-and-kohls-are-going-small/

Ethics count in retailing – retailers are looking more and more to ethical practises including what  and where they buy, how they sell, how they package, and who they employ - http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-06/more-businesses-being-socially-responsible-to-attract-consumers/9622668

Have Your Say - click here.

A Key Trader Request Is Answered

There have been many complaints from traders that QVM Management is too focused on renewal to the detriment of day to day market activities. The latest management shuffle may just address that issue.

QVM Renewal has indeed dominated our market and whilst the prospect of some long overdue investment in our market has appeal it is clear that there are just too many roadblocks to a smooth and speedy introduction. Whilst the politicking, staging, and general conflict of minority interest groups goes on we mustn’t neglect the main game which is addressing the level of retail trade at our market.

The appointment of Spiros Foscolos to a senior role following Brendan Devine’s resignation signals a return to core market business. Spiros’ appointment has not been confirmed at the time of writing but is being openly talked about in management circles. Spiros has well-grounded experience in a range of market activities. He has largely been involved in food related aspects of the market but is already spreading his wings into Specialty Merchandise.

It should be noted that this is not a criticism of Brendan Devine’s role. Brendan came to us originally with a renewal project brief and it was inevitable that he would be continually drawn into that role. If we read this latest move correctly then renewal matters will be placed directly with the Renewal Project Team and the QVM General Manager will get back to managing the market. That makes a lot of sense.

By Greg Smith

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Will David Jones Make An Offer For Myer?

With the share price of beleaguered Myer sitting at 34.5 cents it is little wonder that speculation is mounting of a possible buy-out and David Jones is high on the list of suitors.

David Jones is now owned by South African retailer, Woolworths, who have been keen to invest in the struggling department store category, most recently with David Jones investment in its new food concept.

David Jones denies any interest in buying Myer although one major Australian newspaper is claiming they have hired experts to examine the possibility.

The Importance of Tourism In The Upper Market

Tourism is a critically important aspect of business at QVM particularly in the Upper Market and perhaps its main benefit lies in its ability to insulate traders from the current crazy upside down and disruptive world of retailing.

Global retailing is in the middle of a revolution with aggressive online competition and worldwide expansion of equally aggressive bricks’n’mortar retailers. The competition is huge and it is little wonder that the big pie that belonged to QVM Traders in Melbourne’s CBD has been seriously fragmented. It is said that we can no longer sit and wait for customers to come to us but, when it comes to tourists, maybe we can.

At least that is the view of one of our key tourist traders who says that tourists are unlikely to come to Melbourne and then go online to find the cheapest products in a global market. They are here in Melbourne to shop and QVM is a great place for customers looking for souvenirs of their trip or just to stock up on items they can’t get at home.

Of course we can’t be complacent. One thing that global exposure does is clearly identify value and we need to be very attentive to pricing, offer and service if we are to remain a preferred destination for visitors. Direct sourcing, volume purchases, and constant range evaluation are critical to successful trading.

Perhaps the lesson from this article is that if your product range at the market doesn’t include items that are likely to appeal to the captive tourist market, what is holding you back?

Have Your Say – click here.

Westfield Warns Its Retailers

CEO Peter Allen has warned retailers that they need to keep up with consumer trends if they are to find a place in Westfield centres.

Allen said that digital disruption was necessitating a change in the way retailers dealt with their customers and there was an obligation to ensure compelling reasons for customers to visit their centres.

Allen said the landlord will “proactively curate” its tenancy mix to meet the needs of customers. “We understand the value of our space and want to facilitate those retailers who customers engage with at our centres.”

His comments were made as retailers continue to put pressure on landlords to reduce their store holdings and the cost impact of rent.

Inside Retail article -  https://www.insideretail.com.au/blog/2018/04/05/scentre-chiefs-warning-for-retailers/#daily

Heard Under The Sheds – 1/4/2018

Heard Under The Sheds – 1/4/2018

Betty Jennings Appointed To Board – Following a proposal by a candidate for Melbourne Lord Mayor it was announced today that trader Betty Jennings had been appointed to the QVM Board. Chairman Paul Guerra said the Board welcomed the appointment of such an experienced trader and looked forward to working with her in the many issues facing our market.

Heritage Decision Dominates Discussion – the decision by Heritage Victoria not to approve the dismantling of sheds for the underground construction has dominated discussion under the sheds this week. Comments like “So it is all over now” and “Just a little road bump in the process” are almost certainly both wrong. The City of Melbourne has announced it will appeal the decision and ensure that the renewal process survives. On the other hand, further delays are likely to impact on those most vulnerable – we market traders.

Dummy Spit – a trader (OK, it was the editor of Victraders) has announced that a complaints box will be installed at his stall and a fee structure introduced for traders who wish to complain particularly about management, CoM, State Government, or Heritage Victoria. The fees have been inspired by our car park charges – the first complaint will be free, the second will incur a fee of $5, and subsequent complaints will be charged at $10 each. Complaints disguised as statements will still be charged the full rate.

Traders Leaving – two more traders left the Upper Market this week and a third has indicated he will leave next week. This may be a peak time for departures with traders thinking seriously about their future over the Christmas break, implementing their stock clearance, and finally leaving. Let’s hope they all have suitable alternatives in place.

Alternatives To The Underground – a number of traders have suggested that if the multi-million dollar underground doesn’t go ahead then perhaps weather proofing, including roofs over String Bean Alley,  F Shed and A Shed laneway could be put at the top of the list.

Cricket On The Nose – traders often joke about having a game of cricket in empty stall spaces but after the Australian Test Team ball tampering debacle this week one trader has suggested that Badminton might be less controversial.

Meetings Galore – apparently CEO Stan Liacos is involved in around 15 small group trader meetings organised by Trader Representatives to discuss a huge variety of market matters. It is all part of his desire to get a quick handle on trader attitudes and wishes. Talk to your Trader Representative if you wish to know more. We look forward to the CEO’s findings.

You Wouldn’t Want To Be Anywhere Else – no matter what the business levels, we traders can be continuously surprised by the variety of customers who attend our stalls. One of our traders who gets to talk with his customers a bit more than most had the following customers in rapid succession last Sunday – a Drag Queen from NZ, a professional Bull Rider, and a Female Detective and Academic from Adelaide. True story.

Rent Confusion For Casual Traders – There was a suggestion in this column last week that casuals could pay their rent at the time of allocation so they knew what they were paying for. Trader Steve has suggested that verbal advice of the rent amount could be given to the trader at the time or a text/email could be sent to the trader so that it is on record. QVM has the amount on record but traders don’t, and that is the cause for concern when casual traders are trying to balance different stalls on different days at different rents.

Have Your Say – click here.

COMMENTS:

02/04/2018 20:06:59      Dummy Spit "Can you elaborate on the fees charged for your Dummy spit box.

Will the moneys raised go to charity or do you have to declare the proceeds to the ATO as a secondary source of income.

Will there be a discount offer for regular contributors?

Am I able to get a receipt to claim back as a business expense?

Some times we just need an avenue to vent our frustrations and i'm happy to pay for the therapy ."
Actually just publishing that item has been very cathartic. I think you are right, sometimes we just need to vent a bit. It worked for me. Thanks for your input - Ed.

Retail News – 1/4/2018

Retail News – 1/4/2018
1. Woolworths increases share of supermarket trade at expense of independents.
2. Harvey Norman’s dairy company investment takes a bad turn into receivership.
3. H&M’s Cos to open new store in Brisbane.
4. Woolworths steps up its investment in fresh produce.
5. Myer, Country Road and Super Retail join new Radio Frequency Bar Code ID push.
6. UK based JD Sports to spend over $500m in 900 store US rollout.
7. John Lewis gets its staff to take acting classes.
8. Coca Cola ventures into make-up with Korean cosmetic company.
9. Nick Scali chief sells half his stake to Chinese.
10. David Jones launches its new food concept at Malvern Central Shopping Centre.
11. H&M warns of price (and profit) cuts as it clears unsold clothing.
12. Retailers continue the trend of down-sizing physical stores.
13. Spotlight buys Mountain Designs brand.
14. ASIC had a role in Myer’s write-down.
15. Quicksilver buys Billabong.


Acting Classes – UK department store John Lewis is asking staff to take acting classes as part of their upgrading of customers service. Apparently the communication skills taught in acting have an important role in retail as well as theatre.

Heritage Decision Terminal For QVM Renewal Or Just A Hiccup?

This week’s decision by Heritage Victoria to refuse approval for the QVM underground construction is seen by some as the end of a key plank of QVM Renewal and by others as just a slight delay in the inevitable process that will see a long term city plan come to fruition.

The plan for construction of an underground labyrinth of service facilities for the fresh food offer in the upper market required removal, repair, improvement and re-assembly of old market sheds and apparently Heritage Victoria were not satisfied that the plans offered adequate protection of those sheds.

You may think this is purely a professional assessment of a construction proposal although the lack of feedback by Heritage Victoria to the CoM suggests there was a significant element of politicking going on here. In fact, we understand that the first phone call by Heritage after the decision was made, was not to CoM but to the Age newspaper.

There is also a belief that the State Government is attempting to avoid any serious decisions on the market until after the state election at the end of the year. It was certainly a mystery why Heritage Victoria had to ask for an extension of time to consider this matter last December without any apparent attempt to get more information before this week’s decision.

But that is all speculation, and offers little comfort to traders looking for some positive direction for a struggling market. The realities of small business retailing and politics just do not seem to share the same bed. The CoM have indicated they will appeal the Heritage decision and we can expect more activity behind the scenes over coming weeks and months.

One thing is for sure - the continuing fight against a professional planning project by CoM has two major consequences - it is wasting a lot of money, and it is ignoring the plight of struggling market traders. If we don’t get on with addressing this retail revolution and preparing QVM for the next 140 years, there are many who believe that we will be placing a grand old Market at serious risk. For many in the Upper Market it is already too late. We understand two more traders left this week and another has set next week for their departure.

One trader this week had a suggestion that may bring a bit of light to a dark tunnel. He suggested we should proceed with the New Market Pavilion. Why wait for the bureaucracy to get its act in order?

The NMP is partly intended to house relocated traders but it also to be a showcase for what QVM can offer. While the Amazon’s of this world continue their assault on retailing we can show how QVM addresses modern retail presentation and the growing demand for customer convenience. 

QVM will always be about tradition but having a location (NMP) that draws a bridge between the old and the new makes a lot of sense. Speaking of bridges, the pavilion will bridge the Upper and Lower markets a lot better than a roadway. The NMP will show the best in stall presentation, and allow experimentation in trading hours and content. It could become a key to how our market relates to new consumerism. That is an exciting prospect.

Have Your Say - click here.

QVM In The News - 1/4/2018

NEWS
	Redevelopment rejected at iconic Australian market Fruitnet The historic Queen Victoria Markets on the outskirts of Melbourne's CBD has had its redevelopment request rejected by Heritage Victoria. The heritage trading market is covered by delicate sheds which were proposed to be dismantled for the duration of the redevelopment, refurbished, and returned ...

NEWS
	Queen Victoria Market redevelopment permit rejected by Heritage Victoria ABC Online The City of Melbourne says it has been blindsided by Heritage Victoria's decision to reject a key part of the proposed $250 million redevelopment of Queen Victoria Market. Under the plan the entire market area would be revamped with a new pavilion, restored facilities and more outdoor eating areas. Queen Victoria Market revamp hits hurdle - NEWS.com.au Heritage Victoria rejects Queen Victoria Market renewal - Architecture AU Andrews Government and Melbourne City Council at war over Queen Victoria Market redevelopment - Herald Sun
	Council to appeal Vic market heritage veto Yahoo7 News Melbourne City Council is set to appeal after the state's heritage authority rejected planned works as part of a controversial $250 million revamp of the iconic Queen Victoria Market. Heritage Victoria on Tuesday told the council it could not proceed with its plan to temporarily relocate the tourist attraction's ...

New Renewal Initiatives

 A joint announcement this week from Joanne Wandel and Stan Liacos has revealed a number of new initiatives under the renewal banner.

City Ambassadors -Those of you who walk through our Melbourne CBD will have come across the City Ambassadors. They cannot be missed in their brightly coloured red uniforms as they assist visitors with information and advice. Well, they will now be providing a roving customer service at QVM every market day commencing April 3^rd. They will be liaising with QVM customer service team to ensure they provide customers with the right guidance around the market.

Visitor Hub – a visitor hub and new toilet facilities are to be provided in String Bean Alley by mid 2018. Customer service staff in F1 will move to a new purpose built container in SBA. As the renewal progresses, customer advice and service facilities will be adjusted with the aim of keeping customers fully informed about changes and how they can continue to engage traders.

Have Your Say – click here.