'Vintage Mary' at The Shambles market, Stroud

I went into town by 11am this morning as I wanted to discuss some market business prior to our monthly committee meeting tomorrow. I wanted to meet up with Abi F., who owns 'Vintage Mary', the business which occupies the whole of the outdoor market every Monday, selling an amazing range of pre-loved homeware. The ‘Mary’ of the business name who is now retired opened the business in 1978 and Abi joined her later and eventually took over the business, with Mary helping in the background, as she is now in her 90s. I got to know Mary before Abi joined her, and found her a delightful person, as does everyone who knows her.  

The building on the left is the Old Town Hall of Stroud, a Grade 11* listed building, and is now owned by the District Council who want to lease it out. The ground floor has many storage areas which are used by various parts of the market to store their equipment. This is what we need to discuss at the committee meeting. 

'Vintage Mary' have been occupying a large part of the storage area since they started their business so we have to make sure their tenancy is safely maintained for the decades to come.

Abi uses social media, such as Instagram (take a peek for yourself) to advertise extensively and the business is not only popular locally but gets visitors from far and wide. Even Londoners are known to regularly visit to buy goods whilst also having a short holiday in our beautiful local area. The Indoor Market is held inside the building on the right of the picture on Fridays and Saturdays, while the outdoor market fills this area. 

It was good to have a long chat with Abi, and be able to work out possible ways forward.