Small business owners at a popular UK Christmas market have raised the alarm, warning that local traders are being "priced out" by soaring pitch fees. The festive event in Plymouth, Devon, is praised for its wonderful atmosphere, but vendors say the cost to secure a stall has become "extortionate", especially in a city facing economic challenges.
‘A Poorer City’ Struggles with Festive Costs
Traders at the Plymouth Christmas Market are grappling with a difficult balancing act. They must keep prices reasonable for shoppers dealing with the cost-of-living crisis while also covering their own substantial business expenses. The core issue is the upfront cost of a market pitch, which some say is now unaffordable.
One anonymous trader highlighted the local context, stating: "Plymouth is a poorer city and that should be taken into account." This sentiment is backed by official data; the English Indices of Deprivation 2025, published in October, ranked Plymouth as the 64th most deprived local authority out of 317 areas in England.
The business owner explained that on top of the pitch fee, there are numerous other costs to manage before any profit can be made. This is a particular strain for sellers of craft items, who typically see lower sales volumes than food vendors.
Promises Unfulfilled and Fees Defended
Another point of contention is the perceived value for money. One stallholder claimed the rent had increased by nearly £3,000 since the previous year. They said this hike was justified by promises of major attractions like a big wheel, a helter-skelter, a Victorian carousel, and a Santa's grotto. "That was key for the rent increase but none of it materialised," the trader commented.
This year marks the first time the event has been run by organisers Market Place. When questioned about the pitch fees, a spokesperson for Market Place declined to share specific "commercially sensitive" pricing information. They countered that figures discussed publicly are often speculative and inaccurate.
The spokesperson outlined their fee structure, emphasising efforts to be fair: "Fees vary depending on a number of factors... For instance, craft vendors are charged at a lower subsidised rate as we understand they may not generate as much trade as food vendors." They also noted that this year's market included an additional trading week compared to 2024, offering more sales opportunities.
Broader Market Context and Operational Realities
The situation in Plymouth contrasts with other regions. For example, Medway Council publishes its pitch costs for the Rochester festive market in Kent online, where the most expensive pitch for a nine-day period is listed at £4,788.
Market Place firmly denied that the potential addition of rides had any bearing on rental levels. They stated rents were determined based on the tendered fee, the additional seven days of trading, and operational overheads like equipment hire, security, and cleansing.
Despite the organisers' defence, the dispute underscores the fragile economics for small businesses during the crucial festive trading period. As one trader succinctly put it, some local businesses simply "can't afford" to participate, raising questions about the accessibility and community focus of such seasonal events in areas facing higher levels of deprivation.
