Numbers down, but markets not out as traders battle on

Brisbane market lovers still turned out on the weekend to shop, but many stallholders have had to pull out.

It was noticeably quieter at markets across Brisbane on Saturday and Sunday, with both customers and stallholders staying away.

But organisers such as Goodwill Projects say they will continue and insist shopping for food is safer than going to a supermarket.

A crowd of at least 100 enjoyed the Powerhouse markets at New Farm on Saturday morning, with most of the stallholders still plying their wares.

The Park Run, which attracts many hundreds of joggers, was not in evidence but many others enjoyed lovely weather with their furry friends.

It was much quieter at Riverside markets in the City Botanic Gardens this morning, with only about a dozen stalls open. Today will be its last outing, until further notice.

Goodwill Projects, which runs six major markets, said early morning trade at Milton and Nundah markets was very strong, particularly for seafood, meat and produce sellers.

“We removed the seating and food court, so most people bought their coffees and supplies and then left,’’ Goodwill’s Mark Power said.

“People really appreciated we had done that, and provided hand sanitiser at the entrances and other things to keep people safe, and appreciated they could get a park easily and get in and out.

“We’re in the fresh air, there’s no airconditioning, so it’s actually safer than going to a supermarket.’’

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He said they had to close Kuraby, Redcliffe and the Cathedral Square, CBD, Thursday markets but Milton, Nundah and the Wednesday Queen St Mall markets would remain open.

“We’re very conscious those people who live in the CBD rely on the Wednesday markets for produce,’’ Mr Power said.

“Because of that we’ve given massive discounts (on stall fees) so people can keep trading.

“But those towers in the Cathedral Square end of town are virtually empty as all those people are working from home.

“We decided we could not police safe distancing at Redcliffe, as it’s 1km long, so we had to close it.

“There also weren’t the numbers at Kuraby.’’

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Teck Wong, who owns Teck’s Enterprises, said he had reduced the size of his produce stall at the Milton Markets and switched from leaving fruit out, with the option to put them in paper bags, to bagging up produce in plastic bags.

“It’s not as environmentally friendly but people were concerned about others touching the produce,’’ Mr Wong said.

“We also made sure the markets are laid out so there are more clearways — it’s easier to get through and easier for people to keep a safe distance.

“Prices have also come right back down to what they used to be.

“I had to charge $12 for celery last week but was making a tiny margin.

“This week I'm charging $6 and have a bigger margin - people are seeing the benefit of lower prices because the demand from restaurants just isn’t there any more.’’

Mr Wong, like the other traders, relies on the markets for his family’s livelihood.

Mr Power also said it was a psychological boost for the traders to remain open as they had a great camaraderie.