Easter Market stalls allocation concern
A Kilcullen woman who operates a baking and cake decoration business from her home was refused stall space at the market on the basis that it could inhibit two previously-booked baking businesses from 'maximising their profits' on the day.
The market takes place on Saturday 13 April in the Market Square. In correspondence with the organisers, Edel Mac Aodh says she relied on the market being advertised before she applied, but at that stage there were already vendors listed who had booked stalls.
The organisers responded saying that one vendor had rebooked following the success of the Christmas Market, and another 'well known local baker' had booked in previous weeks. "As a courtesy to these two bookings we feel it would be unfair to over saturate the Market with similar product. We are very mindful that people go to a lot of trouble and preparation for the Market and for stall holders to turn up and not be able to sell their product and maximise their profit on the day is very unfair to everyone."
In answer, Edel Mac Aodh noted that 'it was not a concern at the Christmas Market to saturate it with similar craft products such as wreaths, yule logs etc, which dominated most of the stalls at that market'. "Competition is part of business. If you have quality products then you should not be threatened by other businesses ... your recognition that competitive behaviour would be harmful to two other vendors in the market shows ... not equal opportunity to each business in the community."
She concluded by asking that a more 'transparent process' be developed when it comes to allocating stalls in the markets in the future.
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