Five new business outlets are bringing fresh vibrancy to the beating heart of Swansea city centre.
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All have just opened in the world-famous Swansea Market – and all add new potency to the venue and the city.
Their specialities include vinyl records, handcrafted ice cream, military mementoes, holidays and beauty treatments.
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Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “Swansea Market is broadening its offer with these new stalls.
“All but one offer something unique within this world-famous venue; it’s great news for shoppers, residents, visitors and fellow businesses.
“I welcome the new stallholders and wish them well – like all the other traders here they really do want to be part of something special. Importantly, Swansea Market is the perfect place for putting great business ideas into practice.
“The new outlets open at a time when Swansea is celebrating 50 years as a city and at a point when we can all look forward with optimism thanks to the exciting regeneration now under way across the city.”
Swansea Market Traders Federation chairman Chris Evans said: “We support the new traders and the fresh mix they bring to this wonderful venue at the heart of Swansea.
“We’re delighted that the owners are showing a confidence in the market and the city centre. They want to be part of it – just as our existing traders do!”
Milkwood Ice Cream
Milkwood Ice Cream is run by husband and wife team – and proud parents to five young “chief tasters”, Gemma and Robert Kendall. They will be tempting shoppers mainly with ice cream that’s free from additives and preservatives.
Gemma and Robert, of, Port Tennant, Swansea, said “Our ice cream-making journey started with creating treats for our children that not only tasted delicious, but were made with natural ingredients.
“We’re determined to be different and we use fresh seasonal ingredients – local wherever possible – and handcraft our ice cream and toppings.”
Swansea Bay Records
Swansea Bay Records is run by Gareth Robinson. It specialises in pre-loved and new records, CDs and other music items.
He began the business by operating on the market’s casual trading tables – and is now excited at opening his own stall.
Gareth, aged 54, of Swansea Marina, said: “I decided to leave a job in a logistics company to open a record shop in the market.
“It was a big step but I’ve already had some good success and am looking at ways I can further develop the business.”
High Street Antiques
High Street Antiques is a family-run business. It specialises in antiques with a focus on militaria. Sam Grant, one of the partners, said: “With a background in collecting military antiques, we have decided to turn our hobby into a business.
“Not only is our shop somewhere you can touch a piece of history it’s also somewhere you can feel welcome and engage with us about history. The reason for us to open this emporium is to focus the mind away from the real world and to bring escapism.”
Dragon Coach Tours
Dragon Coach Tours is run by Geoffrey Thomas and Robert Davies. It specialises in luxury coach tours, coach holidays and group holidays in the UK and Europe.
Geoffrey, aged 63, of Swansea’s Eastside, said: “Swansea Market is one of the best markets in the UK. People love markets and this is a cracking place to be.”
Ryan’s Beauty
Ryan’s Beauty is run by Harpreet Kaur. It specialises in threading, waxing, tinting and gel polish nails.
Harpreet, aged 26, of Swansea city centre, said: “This shop gives me an opportunity to follow my dream of being self-employed.
“The market provides me with a really good platform to do business.”
The market has a small number of vacant stalls. Managers there would love to hear from business people looking to add something new and different to the venue.
Rental rates start at £120 a week. For those not yet ready to commit to full-time opening hours, there are low-cost trading tables available to hire at the centre of the market on a daily basis.
Swansea Market is the largest indoor market in Wales, an award winning, historic venue that offers tourists and residents a unique experience.
More than 100 stalls offer a huge variety of goods and is a haven for food lovers. A wide variety of fresh, local produce is accompanied by cafes and takeaways boasting temptations such as Japanese, Thai and Mexican cuisine.
The market is currently having a £200,000 lighting refit and remains open as usual – Monday-Friday 8am-5.30pm and Saturday 7.30am-5.30pm.
