Greatie Market Reopens

Great Homer Street Market, better known as Greatie, reopened today for the first time since lockdown began in March.

But due to Covid-19, things were a little different to what some may recall.

Usual scenes of busy bargain hunting were replaced by social distancing, while customers donned masks and were asked to follow a one way system.

“We are worried about going into lockdown again,” said security manager Chris Connor. “We are limiting the number of people in so we can keep load of space and people can social distance.

“The trader’s stalls are smaller than what they were, but they are all still here. Also we are asking customers to sanitise their hands when they come in and wear a mask when they are walking around.”

Amongst the returning traders included Ronnie Duke, from Townsend Bakery in Anfield. He has been trading at the famous market for 52 years now and said he was “happy to be back”.

Another trader, Dave Simmo, was also enjoying a return to normality. During lockdown, Dave and his trading partner would deliver food packages to vulnerable people.

“It’s great to be back — it’s nothing to do with the money,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see all of our lovely customers again and renew all our friendships. It’s been a long battle and we’re all still here to serve the public.”

“They tried to keep us down and they cannot keep us down, it’s the best market around,” said Pat to a chorus of cheers from customers.

There were some concerns that another wave of coronavirus could potentially spell the end of Greatie, but traders like Pat Park remain optimistic.

“They tried to keep us down and they cannot keep us down, it’s the best market around,” said Pat to a chorus of cheers from customers. “We’ve made all our customers as safe as we can. We’ve got hand sanitisers, gloves in every colour — we don’t have red for Liverpool, only blue for Everton.”

Pat and other stall holders participated in a virtual remake of Greatie Market during lockdown, in which traders would video their goods and post on social media sites.

“It’s been a godsend,” she said. “Not over money, but over keeping sane. We’ve done it every week and we get to meet so many new customers.”

Greatie Market will return next Saturday at 8am. Visitors are advised to wear masks during visits and to keep to social distancing measures.