Coronavirus impact survey: Market and street traders
Based on a survey conducted by the National Market Traders Federation April-May 2020 with 1,100 market, street, and events traders, this document summarises findings regarding the impact of Covid-19 on markets. It found that many market traders experienced difficulties obtaining financial support; most markets closed during lockdown; some markets innovated to survive; and turnover has been significantly impacted by Covid-19.
Based on a survey conducted by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) April-May 2020 with 1,100 market, street, and events traders, this document summarises findings regarding the impact of Covid-19 on markets. Below is a summary of some of the headline findings.
Some headline findings
- At the time of the survey, over 50% of market traders were not eligible for financial support, with only 20% (14% for events traders) expecting to furlough staff; although 57% received rent waivers.
- During lockdown, the majority of markets were closed, with 1/3 remaining open.
- Many market traders have innovated to survive the crisis, with 25% introducing a delivery service (8% for events traders), 20% creating social media accounts, and 10% launching a website.
- Turnover has been significantly disrupted by the pandemic, with 70% of market traders down on pre-pandemic earnings (78% of events traders).
- Around 66% of market traders do not have a business plan, with most focusing on the short-term, not looking beyond 2-years ahead.
- A large 96% of events traders saw their events cancelled, with 82% experiencing postponed trading events.
For more on markets and Covid-19, please watch this Task Force podcast with industry experts.