Local Dundee businesses could snub this year’s Christmas market after being informed a stall would cost almost £10,000.
Businesses looking to rent a food stall at Winterfest will be required to stump-up the fee to operate at Slessor Gardens this year.
An email detailing the pricing structure has sparked fury online with one person labelling the fees as “shocking”.
Within the email it explained businesses would pay £8,333 plus VAT to acquire a food stall and power supply for the market which runs from November 26 until January 2.
A retail stall would be slightly cheaper.
Many online have questioned how independent traders would be expected to pay for the pitch while paying staff and other overheads.
The Courier contacted M&N Events — who are running the event — to confirm the accuracy of the document which has been shared widely online.
A spokeswoman for the company confirmed the pricing was correct and described it as “fairly based” as they are trying to “absorb” the costs for the event to go ahead.
£10,000 Christmas fees ‘madness’
Despite boasting a big wheel, ice rink and festive village, and a projected footfall of over 350,000, many are unconvinced about the pricing for traders.
Grant Mulholland, proprietor of The Old Mill Kitchen and Coffee Shop, was one of those who shared the pricing for businesses online.
He had been considering taking on a stall for the festival but was left taken aback by the figures.
He said it was “likely” many independent run family businesses would be unable to attend with the current pricing structure.
He added: “When we saw the pricing we just thought ‘wow’.
“Whilst we are excited at the prospect of the Christmas Market in Slessor Gardens this year I don’t think you will see many of your favourite local businesses selling their goods.
“When customers ask why we didn’t take part I’m sure the pricing we shared online will explain it all.
“All the local businesses have worked extremely hard over the past year to keep their businesses going and then you see this pricing — it’s just madness.”
M&N Events
Spokesperson from M&N Events said: “We have extensive experience of working on festive markets throughout the UK and, in comparison with other cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, our costs are cheaper.
“Our pricing structure is fairly based on the infrastructure costs we have to absorb to enable the market to take place.
“We have also donated two free market chalets to Dundee City Council which is set to benefit around twelve businesses over the six week period.”