The first ever Carlton Place market opened in Southampton on Saturday.

Located around the corner from Bedford Place – known for its night-time economy – Carlton Place has opened a new monthly market which is open to the public on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 4pm.

The market provides an array of independent businesses to promote their products – including food, crafts, and candles.

Emma and André Moreira, owners of Gaia Health Store, have spearheaded the project on their doorstep.

Emma told the Echo: “We’re really excited to be a part of the first Carlton Place market.

“We took over our shop two years ago and new that the pedestrianisation was going to be permanent after Covid, so we kind of had the Bedford Place festival last year that has moved down this way a little bit more and then we decided to organise something ourselves as the area is ready made for a market.

Daily Echo: ‘Something for everyone’: First ever Carlton Place market opens in Southampton

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“Bedford Place is a night-time vibe kind of place with lots of things going on, but we thought having something in the day makes it more of a destination place. It’s got something for everyone which is really exciting.”

Commenting on how the first day of trading had gone, Emma added: “For our first day it’s been really busy, and we’ve had people trading since 10am, it’s been very community focused and lots of businesses – who don’t necessarily have a shop front – have been involved. It’s just great to see everyone.

“We’ve had 24 traders take up 22 stalls. Again, we’re just so excited and the market will be here on the first Saturday of every month, and we hope everyone has a good time.”

Emma Fell, along with her husband Chris, joined the market’s inaugural day, selling treats for One Planet Bakery – a Southampton vegan and plant-based bakery.

She said: “I think this is a really nice event for the smaller businesses that might not be as well known in the city, it’s a great opportunity.

“We came to the Bedford Place festival last year and completely sold out so we’re really happy to be back in the area and I think it brings everyone together.”