Blog

The cost of living crisis has led to the “worst turnout ever” at a popular food market in Nottingham, disappointed traders said. Business owners at the International Market in Old Market Square said they are struggling to pay their salaries and make ends meet as “people don’t spend money on food anymore.”

The sellers spoke on the first day of the market, Wednesday, March 22. Habib Ullah, who has been working in the food industry for 12 years, told Nottinghamshire Live: “We can’t afford to pay our wages.

“The cost of living crisis has affected us all. People are just spending less in the markets.”

Are you planning an event for the Coronation of King Carlos III? let us know here

Before his arrival in Nottingham, he was in Stockport trading from his Oriental Kitchen stall. He added: “It was very bad. We are using the frozen food we had for Stockport because we haven’t sold it.

“We have to sell between £2,000 and £3,000 worth of food. We only sold £1,200. It’s going downhill.”

Johnny Taniga has echoed his fellow grocer’s frustration. Taniga, owner of Karahi Spice, added: “It used to be a very busy market. It’s not just Nottingham, it’s everywhere.”

“People just don’t spend money on food in the market anymore, they can’t afford it. Everyone is struggling.”

“I have paid for the hotel here. I hope to at least cover my costs to be honest.

“Our groceries are also going up, food is more expensive. But we can’t just raise prices because we need customers to at least stop by.

“In 35 years of being in the food industry, this is the worst I’ve ever seen. We can’t pay our wages.”

“It’s not just the markets, it’s happening in restaurants too.” But Taniga is still hopeful, adding: “I hope it’s just a slow start and he gets better.”

Naas Abdeltif, who sells traditional Moroccan items in the market, added: “We are hopeful that business will be good despite the cost of living.

“We are happy to be here and bring all the cultures of the world to Nottingham. We have been suffering from coronavirus>Covid, and then the war immediately after.”

“It’s been a tough time for everyone. It’s only day one so we’ll see how it plays out.”

The International Market, located in Old Market Square, will be open until Sunday, March 26. It features a variety of global delicacies, from unusual crafts to food and deli, along with international street food.

READ NEXT: