Traders say that life in the market has changed a lot since the pandemic, but they remain hopeful about the future

Local traders have had their say on how business has fared in Hull's Trinity Market since the pandemic.

In one of the most volatile climates that independent business has ever known, a trip down to Trinity Market, on the surface, paints a totally different story. Traders go about their work with smiles on their faces and seem full of enthusiasm, even though the number of customers may be smaller than it was a few years ago.

It would seem that while business has been harder than usual lately, traders still have a lot of faith in Trinity Market and the potential it offers for independent businesses. New food outlet, Beast Burger, will open in the market on Wednesday, September 28, offering customers a range of loaded burgers and sides.

Read more: Magic of Christmas descends on Hornsea Garden Centre with a festive spectacle expected to attract thousands

Though life within the market has changed since Covid-19, a lot of the independent businesses remain optimistic about the future, counting on the custom of local people to help keep the lights on. We went down to Trinity Market and heard from a number of the city's friendly and passionate traders.

Near & Fair is an ethical and sustainable business based in Trinity Market, selling a range of eco-friendly and fair trade gifts, clothing, and accessories.

Owner Julie Jenkyns said: "Business has been really up and down since Covid. Saturdays used to be our busiest days, but now we can have a really busy Tuesday and then a very quiet Saturday.

"It feels like people’s rhythms have changed and we're not quite back in our normal routines yet. We’ve seen a few more online sales since the pandemic, but we don’t know if that’s just because we’ve gotten better at it!

"All us traders can do is keep opening up and hope that people come and continue to give us their custom."

Lili & Mila is a pet shop based in Trinity Market, providing unique hand-stamped dog tags and walking accessories, as well as a range of tasty treats for dogs.

Owner Lisa Hall said: "It feel like there’s a difference between how things are here and in the rest of town. New places are still opening in the market, whereas some businesses are leaving town and moving to other parts of Hull like the Avenues.

"I’ve been here five months, so I’m still fairly new, but I think there’s a lot of potential still in town and especially here in Trinity Market. I’m trying to make the most of my little space - I make a lot of my products, but then I stock products from other local businesses, so it’s small supporting small, which I think is important.

"It's dog friendly here in Trinity, so I'd love to see more people coming in with their dogs and visiting our stall. We have some really exciting plans for Christmas, including a grotto, so there's a lot to look forward to."

Loppys Lock Up is a crafts shop based in Trinity Market, offering Scandinavian inspired home decor, plant hangers, wall hangings, bespoke pieces, and personalised baby gifts.

Owner Sally Wainwright said: "I think that since Covid, the market has definitely struggled with footfall. Our online sales have really kept us going while there are less people coming through.

"The most difficult part of the year is done now and we can only hope that things will pick up towards Christmas. Loppys Lock Up will have been open a year in October, so I'm going to be hosting a birthday party event for the shop and offer a discount to customers.

"We're all just trying to keep things fresh and new to help ourselves get established. We really hope that local people will keep on supporting their independent businesses."

Oh deer! B&M shopper finds X-rated Rude-olph decoration

Christmas-mad couple put up tree in September

Council makes big decision on free Christmas parking

Get breaking news by email by signing up to our newsletters

Get the latest Hull food and drink news with our newsletter