KING’S LYNN: Does the Mart offer fair trade for business in Lynn town centre?
King's Lynn Mart on the Tuesday Market Place. Childrens day at the historic fun fair.
The annual arrival of The Mart in Lynn town centre has prompted a mixed reaction from businesses whose routine has been upset.
Scores of rides and games are set-up on the Tuesday Market Place and Ferry Street, but what effect do they have on traders in the area?
The Lynn News took to the streets to find out.
n Owner of Jai Chemist, Uday Thakrar says his trade has fallen by 50 per cent due to the loss of car parking spaces.
Mr Thakrar said: “I can understand the tradition of it but times have moved on. Two weeks is a long time. Things are tough in the High Street.
“We went to The Mart task group and reached a good compromise. They are running for fewer days, but in half term they are opening up earlier which hopefully will bring people in.”
n Manager of the Prezzo store, Arnas Rakstelis has reported a 30 per cent loss in trade.
He said: “People who come to us like to park their cars in front of the restaurant but they can’t do that when the fair is here. I would prefer if it was held out of the town centre.”
n But the tradition has been welcomed by Daniel Ball, from Fraser Dawbarns solicitors.
Mr Ball said: “People have committed to our services by necessity and the fact that The Mart is here is not going to influence footfall.
“We all know it is Mart week and we get on with it. I have not seen the high street so busy in a long time.”
n Brittons estate agents say they have also not noticed any difference in trade since the fair arrived.
Owner Melanie Britton said: “It is nice to have traditions in the town and if people get enjoyment from it, I’m all for it.”
n The Mart has also not created any problems from The Insurance Office in King Street.
Owner Phillip Seaman said: “When I set-up 24 years ago that was one of my worries but it has had no effect.
“I like it being here. I like the noise and the buzz. I even like the smell.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 25 May 2013
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Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
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