Traders happy with growers market opener

Produce from Wing Sue Farm, Meeanee, was for sale at the first Hastings City Growers Market on Saturday. Photo / Duncan Brown

The controversial Hastings City Growers Market launched successfully on Saturday, said Hastings City Business Association manager Susan McDade.

The market was planned to open on two blocks of Heretaunga St East but instead opened on one block, due to a lack of vendors, including Farmers' Market stallholders worried it would undermine their Sunday market on the outskirts of Hastings.

Ms McDade said other potential stallholders were reluctant because they worried it would hinder their chances of supplying local supermarkets in the future.

Ms McDade said the 20 stalls and 1200 extra shoppers meant the Growers Market would be back next week and was expected to grow.

It is modelled on a Whangarei market, which a study showed benefited all retailers in the CBD.

Beach Culture owner Chona Walker said she was "very happy" with the street market outside her clothing store.

"There are lots of new faces - I hope it continues to bring people into town," she said.

"They should keep it open for longer - it is so good."

Focal Point Cinema and Cafe opened early for the market, offering discounted breakfasts.

Owner Matt Bell said trade was steady and it would continue to open earlier on Saturday mornings.

"There was a fair number of people coming through the doors for the first time," he said.

"It is a positive change - there was a real good feeling out there."