Traders 'gutted' by market's planned closure

The boss of an indoor market which has served a seaside town for 37 years says her team is "proud" of their achievements, after announcing it will close next month.

Weston Indoor Market will shut for the final time on Saturday 25 April, having operated on High Street in Weston-super-Mare since 1988.

In a statement the team behind the market said "changing shopping habits" had led to the decision, but traders say they are "sad", "gutted" and have described it as a "kick in the teeth".

Market Manageress Alix Jeffries said: "It has been a wonderful 37 years and we are proud of everything we have achieved here."

In a statement shared with the BBC, Jefferies said: "Indoor markets have faced significant challenges in recent years and we are no exception. It has been a wonderful 37 years and we are proud of everything we have achieved here."

She added: "One of the things we are most proud of is the number of traders we have supported over the years — many of whom started out with a single stall here and have gone on to build successful businesses of their own. That is a real legacy."

However, many of those traders are not happy with the news.

Josh Dudley, 17, owns 3D printing business JD3DP there.

The teenager, who has autism, said: "I'm affected by it. It's been my dream to own a shop, and it's been taken away.

"I'm feeling positive about the future. There's a lot of competition now so I want to go further out of Weston."

Sonia Dudley, his mum, said: "It's a kick in the teeth. Josh built this business from the ground up.

"It's early days to know what is next. Josh has done really well in the units. I firmly believe he can do just as well online and in outdoor events.

"We don't rely on the income, any profit is reinvested back into the business."

Josh, who has been home educated by Sonia since he was nine years old, later received a 3D printing machine which inspired his passion.

After moving into a unit in Weston Indoor Market in August 2025 with one 3D printer, he quickly expanded into three units and now has 11 printers and other equipment.

To survive, they are going to move the business online and outdoor events.

Natalie Jones, who owns Lily Star Zorric which sells handmade scarves and poncho's, and jewellery.

She said: "We've only been here for seven weeks. We've invested a lot but I'm gutted.

"We were looking for somewhere permanent for seven days a week. It was perfect and I assumed it would be OK. I'm very sad. I always wanted to have a little shop. I could see it going places with it.

"It's sad all round. Loads of old people who live behind the market use it as a cut through and socialise."

North Somerset council leader Mike Bell said he is "sad" to see the market go.

"I hope some of the small traders will find alternative spaces in the town centre. I know some of them already have," he said.

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