The cost of living crisis has led to the 'worst ever' turnout at a popular food market in Nottingham, said disappointed traders. Business owners at the International Market in Old Market Square said they struggle to pay their wages and make ends meet as 'people are not spending money on food anymore'.
The stallholders have spoken out on the first day of the market, on Wednesday, March 22. Habib Ullah, who has been working in the food industry for 12 years told Nottinghamshire Live: "We cannot afford to pay our wages.
"The cost of living crisis has affected us all. People just spend less at markets."
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Prior to his arrival in Nottingham, he was in Stockport trading from his Oriental Kitchen stall. He added: "It was very bad. We are using the frozen food we had for Stockport because we have not sold it.
"We have to sell between £2,000 and £3,000 worth of food. We only sold £1,200. It is going downhill."
Johnny Taniga has echoed the frustration of his fellow stallholder. Mr Taniga, who owns Karahi Spice, added: "It used to be a very busy market. It is not just Nottingham, it is everywhere.
"People just are not spending money on food in the market anymore - they cannot afford it. Everyone is struggling.
"I have paid for the hotel here. I hope to at least cover my costs to be honest.
"Our groceries are also going up, food is more expensive. But we cannot just put our prices up because we need customers to at least stop by.
"In 35 years of being in the food industry - this is the worst I have ever seen. We cannot pay our wages.
"It is not just markets - it is happening in restaurants as well." But Mr Taniga still has hope, adding: "I hope it is just a slow start and it will pick up."
Naas Abdeltif, who sells traditional Moroccan items at the market, added: "We are hopeful that the business will be good despite the cost of living.
"We are happy to be here and bring all the cultures around the world to Nottingham. We have been suffering from coronavirus>Covid, and then the war straight after.
"It has been a hard time for everyone. It is just the first day - so we will see how it develops."
The International Market, located in the Old Market Square, will be running until Sunday, March 26. It features an array of global treats from unusual arts and crafts to foods and delis, alongside some international street food.
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