Local businesses and residents in the Braintree district are being encouraged to take part in a virtual street market being held this Saturday 24th April.
The market is a way of supporting local businesses and boosting their online trade.
The virtual market allows small local businesses to promote their products to an online Facebook community, by providing links to their online shops as well as photos and videos of their stock and special offers that people can browse.
Due to the current COVID restrictions, Braintree District Council are unable to host the popular street markets outdoors, but are working behind the scenes to prepare for when they are able to and will keep residents, businesses and traders updated. This virtual market offers an alternative to businesses to interact with customers online.
Dominic Collins, Corporate Director for Growth at Braintree District Council, said: “Our street markets have always been a real asset to our town centre to help boost footfall and support small, local businesses. Instead of not doing anything whilst social restrictions on gatherings are still in place, we wanted to carry on providing a platform for traders to still trade to their customers and boost sales. I hope that local’s will join in with our virtual market place, giving businesses a welcome boost from what has been a difficult year with the COVID pandemic.”
Those who wish to buy something via the virtual street market will need to contact and organise with the trader directly. Once the market has “shut up shop” for the day, people will still be able to view items posted by traders and get in touch.
The market will be open from 9am-5pm on Saturday 24th April and also on Saturday 29th May. People can take part by joining over 1,700 members part of our online Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/groups/virtualstreetmarket
Businesses interested in taking part and promoting their offers can fill in an application form online at www.braintree.gov.uk/becomeatrader