Tommyfield Market's New Chapter: Indoor Shift & Trader Reactions

0:00On March 22nd, this weekend, Tommy Field Market in Odom shuts its doors for the last time after more than 100 years of business. Traders are packing up to launch a fresh indoor market right next to the spindle shopping center with doors opening on March 28th. The shift follows years of planning hit by delays, missteps and pandemic slowdowns that emptied out dozens of stalls. Just 45 out of over 100 original spots are making the move to the modern setup designed for better foot traffic. Traders show split feelings on the change. Nails and lawn owners are pumped for bigger spaces and brighter surroundings to pull in more customers. A jeweler running shop for 28 years calls the handover smooth thanks to steady repair work keeping them busy. Meanwhile, a cafe manager feels worn down after five years of waiting when eight months were first promised, blaming high councilorins for pushing. Out long time sellers. Some veterans are retiring instead, put off by rent jumps to around 1,200 pounds for smaller units.

1:01Council leaders hail it as a lively reboot, fully funding set of costs amid hot demand for spots. As families head in from 9 a.m. on opening day, Oldham's traders gear up for stronger days ahead in the heart of town.