13 December 2011, 09:21 AM
  • Mary Portas has said that market stalls are the best way to boost business in town centres and high streets

This revelation comes from the retail guru’s independent review to the government, which hopes to find a solution to falling footfall numbers in shops.

The shop expert has also asked the Prime Minister to introduce a National Market Day, in order to increase awareness and trade for markets across the country.

Miss Portas said, “On a market stall people can try out their ideas and get their business booming without too much cost. It’s great for our town centres too, bringing in fresh ideas and products and preserving our nation’s cultural heritage.”

Current licensing rules can make it difficult for businesses to set up market stalls in the street. The review suggests these rules should be relaxed or lifted, as well as restrictions on late-night deliveries.

Other plans include the introduction of a tax on car parks in out-of-town shopping centres.

Richard Dodd, from the British Retail Consortium, added, “It seems that there are a good number of sensible ideas in the report, which if taken together and adopted, could make a difference to many of our troubled high streets.”

Vacancy rates in English town centres are currently at 14.5%, three times what they were in 2008.

Photo by Nils Jorgensen, Rex Publishing.