By Alex Rawnsley

Nanaimo farmers markets booming in first few weeks of summer season

Jul 16, 2020 | 9:21 AM

NANAIMO – Both weekly outdoor markets in the Nanaimo area have reported an overwhelmingly positive first few weeks of operation even if the total number of customers is down.

Cedar Farmers Market manager Kate Poirier told NanaimoNewsNOW their total number of customers is also down, but the spend-per-customer is much higher.

“All of the vendors are reporting having really strong sales at every market,” Poirier said. “People are doing surprisingly well. They are coming to the market not just happy to be there, but with this heavy sense of relief and incredible appreciation.”

While week-over-week growth at Island Roots market on Bowen Rd. outpaced 2019 levels, market manager Michele Greene said mandated capacity meant 30 per cent fewer shoppers than normal.

Bill Clay, owner of Bodhi’s Artisan Bakery and a vendor at both markets, said they’re working hard to ensure safety and provide a sense of security for customers.

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Screens on all sides enclose the market booth with windows at the front allowing sales to take place.

“At first I had trepidation on how customers would react, we looked very standoffish,” Clay said. “People like the fact we’ve come up with ways of doing business so that we can be as safe as possible and in return they feel as safe as possible getting the product.”

He said as a result, their sales at the market are on par or slightly above 2019 levels. Sales at their Rutherford Rd. bakery with similar safety measures are up 30 to 40 per cent.

Clay believed the pandemic put a spotlight on local food producers. He said more people cooking from home and relying less on take out or prepared food equals more demand for quality local products.

On Thursday, May 28 the province announced it was amending a previous order which prevented the sale of non-food products at markets in B.C.

Effective immediately, the sale of flowers, clothing and merchandise are permitted along with limited, socially distant seating.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley