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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Sian Burkitt

Newport Market's former traders and where you can find them now

Right now, one of Newport's most iconic spaces is undergoing a huge transformation.

Newport Market, which has stood on the city's High Street in its current form for over 130 years, is currently in the midst a £12 million revamp to transform it into a "21st century" development.

The renovation project, which is being carried out by Loft Co, is bringing a whole host of changes to the historic landmark, not least of all to the market's traders, many of whom have already moved elsewhere.

After years of planning, work on the market finally began in January this year, with Loft Co's managing director, Simon Baston, confirming that he hopes the project will be completed within 12 months.

The company's plans to transform the market were finally given the all-clear by Newport City Council in December last year, more than two years after they were initially made public.

These plans include a food court and bar on the ground floor, a workspace hub and offices, a fully refurbished market, and 42 apartments.

However, some of the market's best loved traders will not be there when it reopens, having already moved elsewhere in the city or having moved online.

So what has happened to some of the market's most famous faces?

Here's where you can find them now:

Xclusive Jewellers

(Josh Knapman)

Long-established Newport business Xclusive Jewellers was one of the earlier shops to move from the market and go elsewhere.

Originally opening its doors back in 1987, Annette Farmer's business is well loved by customers and Newport wouldn't be the same without it.

So, thankfully, after leaving the market, the popular jewellery store made a new home for itself on High Street, where it has been doing business ever since.

Find out more details here.

Chloe's Hair & Beauty

Chloe's hair salon is now on Griffin Street, Newport (Chloe's Hair Salon)

Chloe's Hair & Beauty is another business that announced it would be moving at the end of last year.

The salon hasn't moved too far away from its former home in Newport Market, finding a new home "literally a 30 second walk" from the old shop.

You can now find the salon in its premises on Griffin Street, where it moved in early January.

Find out more details here.

A D Turner & Sons

Mike Turner of A D Turner & Sons (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Originally opened back in 1961 by Tony Turner, this family-run butchers called Newport Market home for more than 60 years.

However, at the end of last year, A D Turner & Sons (now run by son Mike Turner) announced it would be moving away from Newport.

"We have been fortunate to have had generations of loyal customers and friends, but times change and we are obligated to move to ventures new," said Mike at the time.

The butchers can now be found on Tredegar Street in Risca.

Find out more details here.

Friendly Neighbourhood Comics

Tim Rees from Friendly Neighbourhood Comics back when it was in the market (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Initially intending to stay on in the market, Friendly Neighbourhood Comics later announced it would actually be moving out of the market after all.

The popular shop - formerly called Negative Zone Comics - which provides a treasure trove of comic books for fans, moved business fully online in February - launching a brand new website in the process.

Find out more details here.

Rae Barton Fruit and Veg

Rae Barton's famous fruit and veg shop on the left of the picture. (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Like Xclusive Jewellers, Rae Barton Fruit and Veg found another home away from Newport Market a couple of years ago.

The popular greengrocers opened a new stall in the Kingsway back in 2019.

Although its stall in the market closed during the pandemic in 2020, its Kingsway stall remains open and popular with regulars from across Newport.

Find out more here.

Davies Florist

Davies Florist is now open on Upper Dock Street, Newport (Davies Florist)

One of the longest-serving traders at Newport Market, this florist had been in various locations on the site for nearly 80 years.

Most recently occupy a store on the market's corner, opposite the bus station, Davies Florist had served customers there for 45 years - being inside the market for more than 30 years before that.

Now owner, Johanna Davies and her team have moved across the road, and can be found at 13 Upper Dock Street.

Find out more about the new shop, here.

Lisa's Kitchen

(Lisa's Kitchen)

Lisa's Kitchen was once a market favourite but since the redevelopment they've decided to set up elsewhere.

They sell freshly cooked breakfasts, homemade meals and snacks as well as hot drinks.

The cafe is another one that has moved just around the corner onto Griffin Street.

Nicha’s Alterations

This shop provided a full alterations service, including repairs, zip replacement and sewing and hemming.

And the good news is you can still find them om the corner of Skinner Street and Upper Dock Street.

More details, here.

Troutmark Books

Mark Rogers of Troutmark Books, pictured here in Newport Market back in 2019 (Josh Knapman)

Troutmark Books is the latest of the former Newport Market traders to appear elsewhere in the city.

Excitement was sparked earlier this week when a sign appeared on Griffin Street bearing the much-loved book shop's logo.

The owners of Troutmark have since confirmed they will be opening at the new location "soon."

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