The joy of shopping
locally
How much do you enjoy a visit to the supermarket? I haven’t for some time, particularly in the last year where the atmosphere is more unnerving than social. Craving a more enjoyable way to shop, I visited Harborough Market WORDS BY EMILY MILLER
T
he supposed convenience and perceived lower-cost chain supermarkets lure me in, despite being aware of the benefits of shopping locally. However, one sunny bright day I picked up my straw basket shopper and decided it was time to put my money where my mouth is and visit Harborough Market. Market Harborough has enjoyed a market for over 800 years, with its indoor market carrying on the tradition of bringing shoppers the very best produce and products that the region has to offer. Straight away, I was impressed by the discovery that the indoor market has its own car park and could no longer say it wasn’t as convenient as a supermarket in terms of parking and access. I headed into the building which is home to over 100 businesses over the trading week. It’s an absolute shopping mecca, bringing the very best of local independent businesses 86 | NICHE
together under one roof. From the top-rated Dim Sum restaurant to a fantastic local butcher, fishmonger, cheese monger, clothing retailers, artisan bakery, and nearly everything else in between, I was instantly impressed with the range of goods on offer and the bustling atmosphere. Each trader has extensive knowledge of their products, and this social exchange is reminiscent of shopping presupermarket when you could visit your local high street and go to each shop to purchase your household goods. Being served by a seller who not only knows their product and where it comes from, but who is also happy to create a relationship with their buyers and knows their buying preferences, feels like shopping that holds far more community spirit than a corporate loyalty card in your wallet. I could choose smaller quantities of items, or plastic-
I COULD CHOOSE SMALLER QUANTITIES OF ITEMS, OR PLASTIC-FREE PRODUCE
free produce, something that I wouldn’t be able to do from larger retailers, so this was not only cost-efficient but environmentally friendly too. The vibrant food hall area and Market Café makes for a lively and social area to enjoy anything from traditional fish ’n chips to crepes, and homecooking for either dine-in or takeaway. I was struck by the social and community feel to the dining experience and didn’t in the least feel intimidated by eating alone. Grab your basket, shopper. Fill it with local high-quality goods, grab some lunch, and do your bit for your local economy, the environment and see how enjoyable your weekly shopping experience can be. Harborough Market is open Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 4pm, and Sunday 10am to 3pm for the popular Antiques Market. Find out more at harboroughmarket.co.uk.
