A new town centre market tapping into the fast-growing second-hand economy is set to launch in North Staffordshire this summer.
Newcastle-under-Lyme BID has announced the introduction of Castle Pre-loved Market, a monthly event designed to capitalise on rising demand for sustainable, low-cost shopping while creating new trading opportunities for local sellers.
Taking place on the first Sunday of the month, the market will launch on Sunday, 7 June and return on Sunday, 5 July, making use of the town’s existing market stalls to bring additional footfall into the centre.
The launch event, ‘Closet Clear Out’, will focus on preloved fashion and accessories, reflecting the growing popularity of resale platforms such as Vinted and wider shifts in consumer behaviour towards more conscious spending.
A second event, ‘Rummage and Re-home’, will follow on 5 July, expanding into a broader ‘car boot style’ offer featuring homeware, books and collectibles in a more accessible town centre setting.
By building on existing infrastructure, the BID hopes the new market will diversify the town’s offer while lowering the barrier to entry for first-time sellers and side-hustle traders.
Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said: “It’s great to introduce something new to the town centre that reflects how people are shopping now. We’re already seeing that through the popularity the antiques market that takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the week that there’s a real appetite for finding something different or picking up a bargain.
“At the same time, platforms like Vinted and Facebook Marketplace have changed how people buy and sell, especially with younger audiences who are more conscious about sustainability and giving items a second life. That’s something that’s come through strongly in feedback from students and local residents.
“Castle Pre-loved Market brings that behaviour into the town centre in a way that’s social, accessible and easy to take part in. With the support of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, we’re able to utilise the existing market stalls on a Sunday, creating another reason to visit while giving people a great opportunity to have a clear out and make a bit of extra money.”
Anyone wishing to have a stall at the new market can register their interest online.
