A coffee shop owner has been left “disgusted” after he was quoted almost £12,000 just to sell hot chocolate at the Christmas markets, branding the cost “legalised theft”.
Anthony Grice had hoped to finally secure a stall at Liverpool’s festive markets after applying every year for the past eight years.
But when the 46-year-old received an email about six weeks ago setting out the costs, he said he was left “disgusted” and had a “meltdown”.
READ MORE: Major High Street chain hiring 800 workers ahead of Christmas rush
- Advertisement -
Anthony, who runs coffee shop Fika, said he had expected the pitch to cost around £4,000 – but was instead quoted £11,840 for a 4×2.5 metre pitch for four weeks.
He said the pitch costs £7,500, while additional charges include £2,000 to hire a hut, £750 for a water supply, £60 for water removal, £350 for card machine installation, £180 for internet and £1,000 for power.
Anthony claims that traders also have to use the market’s card machines, with organisers taking 20% of card-machine earnings.
He shared a video where he detailed the costs on social media, which racked up nearly 200,000 views.
“Normally I apply around February or March, and they always say they’re full,” Anthony, from Liverpool, told What’s The Jam.
- Advertisement -
“This year, I thought I was in, but they came back to me with the figures, and I was disgusted.
“It was the bottom-tier pricing structure because I’d just need a hot chocolate churner, some water and a fuse.
“It’s totally inaccessible for an independent business like mine,” he added.
- Advertisement -
“Christmas is a celebration, about people coming together, and that’s what Fika is about.
“I just wanted to be part of the occasion, but this is legalised theft.
“I can’t understand how our council is allowing this to happen.
“It’s shocking.”
Anthony has run Fika for eight years and said he had wanted to take part in Liverpool’s Christmas markets because he felt his business could offer something different.
He said: “I went to the markets last year and it was sh**e.
“I think all the hot chocolates were powdered and overpriced.
“I use proper melted chocolate infused with the milk. I’d spotted a gap in the market.
“I thought mine would be well better.
“I’d probably charge £5 or £5.50, which I think is reasonable.”
Anthony claims the email from the organisers acknowledged they had received feedback that the markets were expensive, but explained this year’s event was set to be a “proper Winter Wonderland” featuring an ice rink.
But Anthony said he was concerned that the investment would be particularly risky because the markets are weather dependent and quieter weekdays could make it difficult to recoup the money.
He said: “Through the week, it could severely struggle.
“Adding insult to injury was that you have to use their machines and they’d take a percentage.
“And you might not get paid out until February or March.”
Anthony said organisers should make the events more reflective of the cities where they take place.
He added: “Local people want to see local businesses.
“Make Liverpool’s Christmas markets scouse with scouse pies and make Manchester markets more Manchester.
“It’s your own culture with a twist.
“People would love it, and all the markets wouldn’t be the same.
“Customers say that everything is overpriced and think it’s the traders ripping people off, but they’re covering the costs.
“They’re passing on the cost to the customer, but it’s the traders who get the finger pointed at them.”
One video commenter said: “They literally have three or four tents the same.
“It’s so annoying.”
Another person added: “As soon as you said use their card machines, I knew they were wanting a cut on top of everything you would already be paying.
“Absolute greed; no way does any of that cost them what they are charging you, especially when divided amongst all the traders.”
Someone else said: “No that’s ridiculous.
“Then you have wages and stock.
“Surely you can’t make any profit from that.
“It’s so sad that they are not supporting our local businesses.”
A fourth person said: “Feel like the Christmas markets have been a rip off for years.
“Same tat, same overpriced food and drink, although this has opened my eyes to why it’s so expensive.
“Would love to go to a Christmas Market run by local independents.
“There are so many brilliant independent vendors and shops in Liverpool, it would be the dream.
“Even if it was little stalls inside a hall or building, that would be so much better than the big, overpriced market in the city centre.
“Good on you for putting the truth behind these markets out there.
“Really is eye opening and so sad.”
A fifth person added: “And that’s why I have never been or will go to the Christmas markets.
“It’s an absolute rip and your rammed in a confined space.
“Something that isnt enjoyable in my opinion.”
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “The operators at St George’s Hall and Pier Head manage their own trader arrangements independently; however, Liverpool Markets will once again be organising festive pop-up markets in locations across the city during the Christmas period.
“Designed to support local and independent businesses, Liverpool Markets offer a cost-effective way for traders to showcase and sell their products. Traders interested in taking part are encouraged to register their interest, with further details to be announced shortly.”
Event organisers Underbelly Limited have been approached for comment.
READ MORE: Asda shoppers will be able to send and collect parcels during their food shop
