Businesses affected by the temporary closure of Swan Walk Shopping Centre have praised Horsham’s West Street Entrepreneurs’ Market and Horsham District Council for helping them stay connected with customers and maintain trade throughout the summer.
In response to the closure of the shopping centre, the Council and market operator Coden Events offered Swan Walk businesses free market pitches and equipment hire, enabling them to continue trading in the heart of the town. A number of businesses took up the offer, benefiting from strong footfall, increased visibility and valuable opportunities to engage directly with new and existing customers.
The initiative highlighted the flexibility and affordability of market trading, with businesses reporting benefits beyond immediate sales, including raising awareness of their brands, testing products and building future customer relationships.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property, Cllr Jonathan Taylor said: "Supporting our local businesses is a key priority. By working with Coden Events, we were pleased to offer practical assistance to Swan Walk traders during a challenging period and help them continue reaching customers.
The success of the initiative has once again demonstrated the important role our markets play in supporting local enterprise and bringing vitality to Horsham town centre."
Zac Coden, Director of Coden Events, said: "We're proud to have worked alongside the Council to support neighbouring businesses during the closure. It has been fantastic to see Swan Walk traders embrace the opportunity and benefit from the high levels of footfall in West Street. The market offers a flexible, low-cost way for businesses to raise their profile, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new traders in the months ahead."
One of the participating traders, Gobsmack Comics commented: "Thanks to Zac and Horsham District Council, the West Street stalls were a great help for Gobsmack Comics to keep trading under extremely difficult circumstances. It isn't an understatement to say that the market stall saved Gobsmack from going out of business."
With Swan Walk Shopping Centre now fully reopened, pitches are again available for local businesses looking to showcase their products and services through Horsham’s popular West Street Entrepreneurs’ Market.
Businesses interested in booking a stall can find further information and apply online via Coden Events.