VIDEO: Horsham Markets duo to open local produce store in Carfax

PJ Aldred and Marion Carter, who run Horsham Markets every Thursday and Saturday, are hoping to open ‘Crates Local’ in the Carfax in August, a shop that aims to showcase as many local producers within a 40 mile radius of Horsham as it can.

In what they believe is the first of its kind they will offer producers a crate to display their wares, taking a modest cut, with most of the profits going straight to the farmers and businesses.

PJ said: “They are very very excited.

“We have had an incredible response from the producers.”

She said a lot of local suppliers just did not have the time to operate a market stall.

Crates would see a huge amount of different producers, with emphasis on seasonal food.

They are currently fitting out the premises, which used to be an opticians, and hope to be ready by The Big Nibble, Horsham’s annual town centre food festival.

“Local people are engaged in local food. They want to buy it on a regular basis,” PJ added.

“It’s been done with department stores and antiques but not done before in local produce.”

Marion said: “We believe this shows how much we believe people want local produce and how much we believe in the town.”

PJ added: “We are totally convinced that Horsham is the right place for what we are doing.

“Trading in this town centre is phenomenal.”

She continued: “We always thought that the Carfax is the hub of the town and it’s really a food destination.”

Once open they hope to hold special tasting evenings and meet the producer events.

“We’re inviting any producers to give us as shout.

“If they are within 40 miles they can get in touch.

“Crates Local will be firmly on the map in Horsham,” added PJ.

The new shop would be open Monday to Wednesday 9am-5pm, 9-6pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9-5pm on Saturdays.