Hermanus Country Market closes

Hermanus Country Market closes

It is with a heavy heart that I have had to close the Hermanus Country Market with immediate effect. The stark reality is that the market is no longer sustainable.

The reasons for this are:

1. During the first lockdown period from March to August the costs remained constant, with no income and no reductions in rental, insurance, etc. except for electricity usage.

2. Since August, when we were permitted to resume trading under lockdown level 2, the income has not covered the market’s expenses. Due to Covid-19 there was a reduction in trade and the market has been running at a loss since then, with the exception of October.

3. The structures on the market are non-compliant with Building Regulations and will need an estimated R500 000 to upgrade. There has been constant pressure from the Overstrand Municipality for the past year, but with no clear solution to the market's situation.

4. It has cost R25 000 to produce architectural plans, R10 000 to strengthen the existing structures and a further R8 300 to be Covid-compliant.

5. It is foolhardy to be pouring in this sort of constant investment, with the short-term lease and uncertainty of tenure that prevents me from ever selling the market as a going concern to recover these costs.

6. There is no definite alternative site to move the market to so as to create sustainability for the future.

So on the advice of learned people, I have had no choice but to close the market with immediate effect.

The average turnover on the market was reduced by almost 70%, mostly due to our swallows and tourists not being here. Covid has also required that the market try and create an environment which is the direct opposite of what we have always been – a place where many people can gather together, hug and socialise – and this has come at enormous cost.

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