Bedfordview Night Markets focus is on the future

The Bedfordview Night Market, one of many in the industry not able to operate fully under lockdown, has found ways to keep going.
During Level 3 they have set up an online shop on Facebook for vendors to post about their products.Owner and operator Laura Panaino said at this stage there is no clear answer as to when the market will operate fully again.
The most attainable feedback Laura has received is that the market will only be able to operate fully under Level 1.
“During Levels 5 and 4 we were not able to do much.”
Laura said now patrons can at least view products and place orders directly with the vendors.

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“This has been a slow process as most stall holders are not geared towards e-commerce,” said Laura
She said the stall holders have been the most affected as for many the market is their only source of income.
“They have been coping by trying to restructure their micro enterprises to be more digitally focused, however, this is challenging and not always possible.
“We are very positive about the rest of the year moving forward and are still confident we can meet some of our goals for 2020,” said Laura.
Laura said markets do not have a representative body. According to Laura, the lack of a unified voice during the trying times has resulted in markets, tenants and venues suffering huge losses with no way to recoup.
However, Laura holds strong to what the market means to the community.
“We like to think the market is a great place to meet up with friends and family and share a delicious meal. It is of course also a place to buy unique items.”
Laura looks forward to warm summer nights once again filled with laughter and friends enjoying each other’s company at the Bedfordview Night Market in future.

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