Doncaster Market stall holder says that the town centre is coming back to life

Anthony French is a 60-year-old designer who runs his own stall in the Doncaster Market.

He has been a stallholder since October 2019 meaning that during his time in business he has faced the impact of floods and the coronavirus.

Anthony, who lives in Mexborough, said: “All traders in the market have been affected by the closure that Covid-19 brought our way.

“We reopened a couple of weeks ago and I’m pleased to say that we have seen an increase in people visiting and shopping.

“It has been quiet but steady.”

Anthony specialises in fashion and homeware and sells his designs online as well as in the market.

“It’s been really nice after feeling stir crazy for three months to see smiling faces and to see a bit of normality return,” he said.

“I think people are finally feeling less wary about leaving their homes and the regulars are returning which makes it feel like the town is coming back to life.”

Like many business owners, Anthony has noticed a shift in consumer behaviour due to the coronavirus.

He said: “Shopping locally is really taking off.

“I have been really impressed and pleased with the resurgence of support the market is getting.

“In particular the fresh produce stalls who have really flourished over the last few months.”

Anthony says that the smaller market in Mexborough where he lives has also been thriving throughout the lockdown but he wishes that there were more businesses based in the crafting sector.

“When I was younger we had some gorgeous fabric and wool shops in Doncaster but sadly they have been lost,” he continued.

“I’m afraid that we will see a lot more losses on the high street especially if there is a second wave of the virus.

“But I hope that people will do their best to support the independents.

“We have some beautiful, unique, and bespoke businesses here.

You can see Anthony’s work here.

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