LOCAL people have been trading at the Hopmarket in Worcester for almost 300 years.

Even before the imposing four-storey Hopmarket Hotel was built at the turn of the 20th century, hop merchants were buying and selling local produce on the site as far back as the 1730s.

While the hops have gone and the hotel has long since closed, the building is now home to an eclectic mix of independent traders.

Andrew Purvis took over Joy’s Gift Shop three years ago – just months before the recession gripped the British economy. The store was founded by Joy Vernon, who has now retired, 14 years ago.

“I left college to take over the shop,” said Mr Purvis.

“I was confident I could do it but, if I’m honest, I didn’t know a lot about the market. I went in blind and it’s been a steep learning curve.

“The Hopmarket is a really lovely place. Everyone who works here is welcoming and friendly.

“They are doing what they are passionate about and they go out of their way to help customers.”

The economic downturn has had an adverse affect on hundreds of small traders and, for many, public support is paramount if they are to survive.

Jo and Chris Bourke, who run Spine skateshop and gallery in the Hopmarket, would like to see more customers coming their way.

“It’s really important to support each other but even more important for the shoppers to support us, especially young people who have grown up with the internet and still don’t see a direct correlation between buying online for convenience and the demise of their local shops,” said Mrs Bourke.

“With internet shopping you don’t get the support, advice and expertise that you do when buying in person.”

Vintage boutique Secondhand Rose was opened in 2006 by Worcester resident Clare Bridge, who turned her love of all things vintage into a succesful business.

She recently moved to larger premises in the Hopmarket and, with Mrs Bourke, helped found the Worcester Arts and Vintage Events (WAVE), a movement that promoted home-made, hand-made crafts and supports local artisans.

The Hopmarket is also home to Hopmarket Trophies, one of the site’s long-running shops. It opened in 1972 and continues to sell and engrave a wide range of medals and trophies.

Other businesses that can be found at the Hopmarket include the well-established Hopmarket Wools haberdashery, and Stripes clothing boutique, which stocks sought-after designers such as Malene Birger, MiH Jeans and Hultquist.

It often holds in-store fashion shows and recently launched an online outlet.