New look Dundas Market gears up to welcome customers

19 August 2014

Middlesbrough shopping centre Dundas Arcade is gearing up to welcome customers both new and old through the doors.

The centre is part way through an exciting program of works to transform the premises previously occupied by In Shops who fell into voluntary liquidation back in January of this year.

These transformational changes come as a result of owners Contract Experts Limited; who stepped in at the time to rescue the market traders of the former In Shops.

Back in January, Christian Lax of Contract Experts Limited offered traders reassurance that their existing tenancy agreements would be honoured and it was business as usual.

Lax promised to make a significant commitment to secure the viability of the former In Shops by expanding the tenant line up to boost sales and increase customer flow.

Fast-forward and Contract Experts Limited are delivering on their promise with the rebranding of the former In Shops Centre to the new-look Dundas Market enlisting the expertise of marketing specialists We Do Brand Communications and local Property Consultants, Dodds Brown. The united efforts are already showing their positive effects.

Commenting on the changes thus far, Christian Lax said: “The rebrand of the former In Shops to the Dundas Market is well underway and is showing potential to become a warm, welcoming, authentic alternative for local shoppers and local traders.

“Customer research undertaken by our marketing agency helped us identify what’s missing in Middlesbrough town centre which was a permanent indoor market. This information has resulted in the creation of the Dundas Market. Customers can expect to see change happening over the next few months.

“Our vision is to have a community market in the heart of town offering a genuinely personal service at an affordable price from a vibrant range of local traders" added Christian.

Leigh Banner, owner of Leigh’s Shoe Repairs, and long time resident of Dundas Arcade said: “You can really see the difference, the majority of retailers were worried before, but now we know everything is going to be alright."

“I know all of us here are over the moon with the take over and in fact, I’m getting more customers and more sales than I’ve seen in years. Dundas Market has had a change of logo and almost a change of heart. When you walk in you can feel and see the difference, the Market has been vibrantly changed and we couldn’t be happier."

Besides a visual change, Dundas Market is building an increasingly large online social community. This presence keeps consumers up to date with deals and new developments.

Up to 35 traders’ units are being created in Dundas Market to cater for small independent local businesses. Dundas Market is interested in hearing from local traders seeking premises, particularly those whose trade involves, street food, hot food, fresh produce and homemade goods.

Potential business owners interested in joining the new Dundas Market can call the General Manager James Williams on 01642 232552 for more details.