Independent retailers in a refurbished former street market in Blackpool are getting the word out about their new food and retail destination in the centre of the resort.
Abingdon Street Market, which is home to more than 20 independent businesses, includes a food hall serving street food from six local independent businesses, alongside a cocktail bar and a craft beer lovers bar. The food hall opened last May and the retail side in November.
One of its on-site retailers is Abingdon General Store, which sells everything from cheese to craft beers, soaps, candles, and greetings cards.
“We sell a bit of everything really,” explains owner Grace Harvey. “We have a few things from local makers, including candles and craft beer. We try and source things from local suppliers and everything is sourced from within the UK.”
The market was closed for a number of years, and through part funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the market has been transformed into a retail centre home to over 20 independent and local businesses from across Lancashire.'
“Because the market was closed for so long through and after the pandemic, we are still getting the word out there that we're here. We have a makers’ market the last Sunday of every month within the retail space, and we are hosting other events, including a festival in August in co-operation with Farm Yard Brew. It's a real community, and it's not something that Blackpool ever really had before.”
Getting the word out means making sure that Abingdon Street Market is visible on platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps.
“A lot of people will look online before they go to places,” continues Grace, “that's kind of their retail landscape these days. So, making sure that you have an established online presence is important. I’ve had positive interactions with customers and have asked them if they can review us on TripAdvisor or Google. Obviously, not everybody will, but even just having a few results on there has made a huge difference towards our visibility.”
And it’s the personalised experience that is the reason so many people like and value their independent shops, says Grace.
“Having someone that they can come to who is knowledgeable, who genuinely cares about the products that they're providing, and wants to provide what people really want is important. We also sell a lot of things that you wouldn't get in a supermarket, things that are made with love and care.
We have a lot of free-from products, a lot that are vegan friendly. We mark everything on the label with a green leaf that's vegan friendly and people appreciate the thought that's gone into it.”
And this makes Grace confident about the future.
“I think overall, a lot of people have returned to independent businesses, particularly after the pandemic. Independent retails give a sense of community. People seemed to have moved away more from department stores and I think having those diverse options is important. There are so many people with knowledge and passion for retail and for Blackpool itself, which has been reflected in the offerings that we have.”
Facebook: @abingdongeneralstorebpl
Instagram: @abingdon.general.store