Become a stallholder at the Open Market
The Plaza is the centre of the market and is a great area for traders to hire a stall. Plaza traders help to create a varied and vibrant space, packed with unique products, local businesses and themed events.
The Plaza market stalls are available seven days a week, to those with Public Liability Insurance. Stalls are 183cm x 92cm in size, and can be rented individually or in multiples. There is no minimum trading period for a Plaza stall – they can be hired simply for 1 day, or booked for a longer period depending on availability and your requirements.
Which traders are we looking for?
We favour craft, handmade, and organic produce as well as a range of other products and services that you would expect to find at any market. We particularly encourage local, fair trade and other goods that demonstrate a considerate approach to the environment.
The stalls are available for market traders who have Public Liability Insurance. (Organisations like NMTF offer this and it is available through multiple insurers online – see our FAQ below for full details). Traders will also need to complete appropriate risk assessments and comply with health and safety policies, including fulfilling all Covid-secure guidance.
Rates
Monday to Friday – £10
Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holidays – £10
Sundays in December 2023 – £15
Rents are payable on arrival. Traders must trade in the following hours as a minimum:
Monday to Friday – Start by 9AM and not to close until 5PM.
Saturday – 10AM and not to close until 5PM.
The market will provide stall frames and tabletops for you to use.
Power costs £5 extra per day if required.
Stalls must be booked at least 7 days in advance. If you wish to cancel your stall please give 3 days notice.
For stall availability and further questions please email info@brightonopenmarket.co.uk
Hot Food Vendors must provide and comply with the following:
PLI up to £5 million
Local authority registration letter
Hygiene Certs
Safety certs for all electrical and gas equipment.
Risk assessments
Fire extinguisher for your equipment
Hand washing facilities for your stall
3m x 3m gazebo max.
Exact menu items
No hot drinks.
No plastic bottled drinks
No glass bottled drinks
Paper or compostable packaging only
General Application:
Please apply using the form below.
Stall FAQS
How do I apply for a stall?
To apply for either a permanent or plaza stall, please fill in a permanent stallholder application form or a plaza stallholder application form. Once your form is received it will be assessed against the market criteria for suitability. If your application is approved, we will contact you with details of current stall availability. If you would like to discuss your application before sending in your form please contact us.
Please make sure you will have Public Liability Insurance cover in place for your chosen dates, as we can not accept vendors who do not.
What is Public Liability Insurance?
This covers traders if they are liable for any damage to persons or property when trading in a public space. We require all stallholders to be covered to the value of £5,000,000 (£5 million) (known as Limit of Indemnity). A policy with a £5 million Limit of Indemnity costs between £60 – £120 per year and quotes can be compared on a variety of sites on the internet. Coverage is also available through membership of the National Market Traders Federation
What can I sell from a stall?
We favour craft, handmade, local and organic produce as well as a range of other products and services that you would expect to find at any market – from books to baked goods, clothes, art, crafts, homewares and much more. We particularly encourage local, Fair Trade, free range produce and other goods that demonstrate a considerate approach to the environment. Items must all meet current Covid and Health and Safety standards.
We do have some items we are not accepting at the moment. Vapes and vaping products and alcohol (unless you are off sales – bottles of wine).
If you would like to discuss whether your product would be suitable, please contact us.
What does it cost to hire a permanent stall?
Costs for a permanent stall vary depending on the size and location of the stall. On average, rents with a service charge are much cheaper than an equivalent store in the surrounding area.
You will be expected to pay electricity and water per metered usage. You will also be responsible for the internal upkeep and decoration of your stall including your own external signage, which must be in accordance with the market style guidance.
What does it cost to hire a plaza stall?
Plaza stalls cost:
Monday to Friday – £13
Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holidays – £26
NB: Stalls available as part of an external event are hired out by the event organiser and charges are at their discretion. If you would like to hire a stall as part of an event, please contact the event organiser directly.
When can I access my plaza stall?
You can access your stall between 7am – 7pm on weekdays and 9am – 5.30pm on Saturdays and Bank Holidays. There is no access outside of these hours (including for deliveries).
What is expected of stallholders?
Public liability Insurance. This is a requirement for all stallholders. Regular traders will usually have this either through an organisation like NMTF (https://www.nmtf.co.uk/) or through an insurance provider.
Stallholders are expected to abide by the market regulations as outlined in the application pack. In general we expect stallholders to supply and sell good quality products, show knowledge of the sourcing of their product, to be honest in all dealings, to ensure their stall is tidy and well presented, to open at all times during the mandatory market hours (9am – 5pm on weekdays and 10am – 5pm on Saturdays and Bank Holidays) and conduct themselves in a polite and professional manner
How can I access my stall to unload my stock or take deliveries?
Loading and unloading facilities are available on Francis Street with easy access through to the stalls. The market square will be vehicle free during market hours. Delivery times are 7am – 7pm weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays and Bank Holidays.
What will the Open Market provide for stallholders?
The Open Market team will provide the full time management and cleaning of the market, with a senior member of staff on site at all times, CCTV security coverage, waste disposal, toilet facilities, regular management/stallholder meetings, inspections of stalls to maintain standards, a dedicated web site giving full information on the market and its events.
