Stockport Market welcomes new traders

Stockport Market is building on its reputation as one of the North West’s most distinctive destinations for independent shopping, with two new traders joining its line-up of stallholders.

BeeArabia, a specialist Arabian perfume stall, and Stockport Provisions (pictured above), a deli offering fine cheeses, cured meats, pickles, ferments and more, are the latest arrivals to join the popular market. The market is busier than ever, with growing interest from visitors both local and from further afield.

This strong performance is part of a wider trend across Stockport Town Centre, where demand from independent businesses remains high and footfall has increased over the last 5 years, in line with increased visitor numbers at nearby Merseyway.

The Market’s success is the result of long-term work to revitalise the space and put independent businesses at the heart of the town’s identity. Over the past decade, it has been transformed from a quiet corner into a buzzing destination, and now plays a central role in in the UK’s largest town centre regeneration.

Many traders are flourishing. Sticky Fingers, which opened in spring 2022, has proven so popular they are now expanding into an additional new shop in the Underbanks. Local artist Kate O’Brien, known for her Stockport-inspired prints and homewares, has also taken on a large unit at the market to meet growing demand.

The Market is also a key fixture in Stockport’s cultural calendar. Events such as the Makers Market, Day of Dance, and Stockport Spectacular Sunday regularly bring thousands into the town centre, while Foodie Friday continues to be a standout success, attracting thousands of visitors every month, with a mix of street food, live music and a welcoming, after-hours buzz that makes the Market Place a destination in its own right.

Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: 

“Stockport Market proudly sits right at the heart of our town centre and plays a key role in its ongoing transformation. But more than that—it offers something truly different. It’s vibrant, local and full of life. Whether you’re after something handmade, hard-to-find, or just a great conversation with someone who really cares about what they sell, the market delivers a totally unique experience.

“We’ve worked hard to curate an offer that celebrates our heritage while bringing in fresh energy. Supporting independent businesses is central to our regeneration story, and the market shows how we can grow the local economy in a way that feels authentic, inclusive, and exciting for everyone.

“The market isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, creating opportunities and drawing people into the heart of Stockport.”

The Beearabia team, said:

“Beearabia Perfumes opened our new store in historic Stockport Market, tapping into community and heritage. We retail exquisite Middle Eastern perfumes and this marks a significant step for the brand, moving from a primarily online presence to a vibrant, community-focused hub.

“We’re excited to be part of Stockport’s ongoing story and look forward to building lasting relationships with our new customers and fellow traders. We look forward to making lasting connections and smelling good together.”

Craig Ballinger and Harrison Marsland-Quinn from Stockport Provisions, said:

“We chose Stockport Market after a lot of chats with our friend Mark Gough (aka WIneboy).  We both have personal connections to the market and really want the place to thrive, so it seemed like our duty to get a stall open as we had a solid idea that we’re passionate about.

“We have a lot of friends with small businesses in Stockport and we see them trying their best to make the place exciting – the fact places like Cafe Sanjuan, MØ6B, Sticky Fingers, Cantaloupe, Bruk, Core and Rare Mags are all doing great things has been a real inspiration to us. People deserve nice things and we’re here to help! Stockport is in a period of real change and it’s great to be part of the town’s evolution.”

The growth of Stockport Market is part of a wider revival across the town centre, including in the neighbouring Underbanks. This historic area has been transformed through a £7 million regeneration project supported by Stockport Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Over the past year, the Underbanks has welcomed a wave of new bars, restaurants, cafés, apartments and independent businesses, and is now considered one of the town’s most vibrant and creative quarters.