(Ongoing Construction)
Covent Garden Market in downtown London remains open, but ongoing construction outside the building is creating serious challenges for many vendors. The repairs, which began in the fall of last year, are expected to continue through the summer, and some business owners say they’re already feeling the effects.
Vendors report a noticeable drop in foot traffic, with some customers confused about whether the market is still open at all. “We’ve actually had customers phone and say, ‘Hey, I thought the market was closed. Are you guys still there?” said one vendor, highlighting the uncertainty created by the construction barriers and lack of early signage.
(Less Foot Traffic Inside Market)
The work being done includes repairs to the market’s parking garage and nearby outdoor spaces. But delays in putting up signs caused further confusion. “It was roughly 2 to 3 weeks before they put the sign out, and you would have sworn this place was being torn down, not just renovated,” said another vendor. For weeks, people walking or driving by had no idea the market was still operating, creating a major dip in weekday business.
For some vendors, the impact has been even more serious. “The impact on the business is very bad… especially on weekdays. We don’t know what to do,” said a third vendor. With fewer customers coming in and events being relocated off-site, many vendors are worried about what the coming months will look like.
Despite the tough situation, Covent Garden Market is still open to the public, with several entry points available for shoppers. Vendors say they are doing their best to stay positive but need more support from the city and the community. “The construction is going to be throughout the spring and summer till September. I think they should do it early so that the business picks up,” one vendor said.
While the repairs are necessary, many are hoping the work wraps up quickly. Until then, vendors say every day of construction is a challenge, but they remain hopeful things will improve once the upgrades are completed.
