From Afro-Caribbean cuisine and health foods to pet supplies and tattooists, Basildon Market’s diverse collection of products and services just keeps on growing. 

Ever keen to offer shoppers and visitors to Basildon something a little bit different, the market has recently welcomed a number of new traders which promise to offer customers something they won’t so easily find on the high street. The market now boasts a DVD/computer games swap shop called The Computer Exchange, a jewellery repair centre, children’s wear, a ladies hairdressers and an Afro-Caribbean food stall to name but a few.

Shoppers who are fed up having to drive from one Retail Park to another to find the goods or services they need can now do so all under one roof. Customers can combine a hair cut and colour with picking up their pet food, getting their watches fixed and purchasing a new outfit for Saturday night! They can also stop for lunch to sample a vast range of food from exotic Afro-Caribbean cuisine to a good old fry-up.

The market, which has been providing the residents of Basildon with fresh produce and quality goods and services for more than 50 years, prides itself on the unique services it provides customers. Traditional markets face much more competition than they did two or three decades ago and to remain viable they’ve had to specialise and offer consumers something different.

Paul Dawson, manager of Basildon Market, said: “We’ve had to become 'alternative' and offer those services which are fading from our towns and streets. One of our busiest stalls is a tailors and alterations unit – a service which is in massive demand but one which isn’t as familiar to our high streets anymore because traders cannot afford commercial rental prices. Setting up a market stall is a more realistic and cost-effective option.

“The commercial climate has forced many businessmen and women to reconsider their options whether it’s through redundancy or because they cannot afford to set up business in the traditional way. Many of our stallholders are new to the market trade but all this is very positive for our customers because it means the variety of the services and goods we can offer them will continue to grow. One thing is crucial though, in order to survive, markets need the support of the locals and anyone who hasn’t ventured into Basildon Market for a few years should come down and see what we’re all about.”  

The market has excellent transport links as it’s situated right next to the bus station and across the road from the mainline railway station and taxi rank making it easily accessible to residents and visitors alike.

With more than 70 stalls offering a wide variety of goods from fresh fruit and vegetables, to fresh cut flowers and luggage, Basildon Market truly brightens the town and promises to liven up a shopping trip.

Opening times:

Basildon Market is open from 8.30am-4pm on Tuesday and Thursday and from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays. The market is also open from 8.30am to 5pm on Saturdays. 

For more information call 01268 288268.