12/10/2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE
I want to raise an important issue that is becoming more of a concern lately.
Unfortunately, I am seeing more traders purchasing items from sites such as Temu, AliExpress, Shein and similar platforms and adding them to their stalls. Whilst I am not against traders supplementing their range with a small number of additional items to help boost sales, this must always be discussed with me first.
In particular, I have noticed an increase in children's squishies, slime, 3D printed toys and other pocket money toys being sold. Many products sourced from these platforms may not meet UK safety regulations or have the appropriate UKCA markings and testing. If an issue were to arise, liability would fall on the seller and their own public liability insurance. However, as a market organiser, I also have a responsibility to ensure that products being sold at our events are safe and compliant.
There is also the wider issue that we cannot have multiple traders selling the same types of imported items simply to make extra income. Our markets are primarily artisan markets, with only a small number of approved traders selling wholesale products. By introducing these types of items onto stalls without approval, it can have a negative impact on the handmade and artisan businesses that our markets are designed to support.
As I have mentioned on several occasions, please ensure that you discuss any additional product lines with me before bringing them to market.
Therefore, with immediate effect, I am requesting that traders do not bring or sell children's products sourced from Temu, AliExpress, Shein or similar overseas marketplaces at our events unless prior approval has been given and evidence of compliance with relevant UK safety regulations can be provided.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Tanya
