This article is from page 18 of the 2011-05-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
TRADERS and local food producers have given the thumbs up to a new market bazaar, which opened in Ennis earlier this month.
Local craft makers, growers, artists and musicians have been making use of Ennis’ newest trading area, which operates on Fridays and Saturdays at Cronin’s yard in the town centre.
Speaking at the market’s opening day, organiser Ann Cronin said the venture is aimed at supporting small local businesses. She explained that 60 per cent of the goods sold by traders must be made in Clare.
She said, “It’s been good fun. We have a nice mix of things, a nice mix of people. There are crafty, creative types. We’re looking at about 16 a day. So we’re trying to get the full compliment. We’ve had lots of people in, people coming in having a gawk and wondering what it is. It’s great that people are curious about new things still”.
She continued, “Traders book beforehand, that way we can guarantee them a space. Sixty per cent of the stuff has to be made in Clare so we try and support indigenous and small companies rather than having an extension of the outside market.”
One of those happy to take a stall in the bazaar is baker Tess Jones. Tess, who runs Perfection Bakery from her home in Morrissey Avenue, Cloughleigh, said markets are a cost-effective way for small businesses to get their product to consumers.
She said, “I think it’s absolutely fantastic. The town is dying a death. Landlords are charging too much rent. Businesses are closing down all over the place. This is the opportunity for someone with a good idea to get it out there with a minimum outlay. So it’s a really good idea.”
She added, “We’re all very enthusiastic. We seem to be getting a lot of interest. Not that many people know about it. Ennis is small town so its very much world of mouth, which obviously will come into play as the weeks go on”
She said, “I’m just baking from home at the moment. This is my first ever market. It’s going pretty well. There seems to be a lot of interest. Everyone likes my product and that’s the main thing.”