Smithfield Market, located behind Castlecourt, is full of a range of shops between clothing, food, furniture and more. It has been around for many years and is a part of our Northern Irish culture. Our parents and even their parents grew up with Smithfield Market but what about today? Sadly, this market doesn’t get the appreciation and recognition it deserves, therefore this article is about giving it the representation and justice it so desperately craves.
So, here is 5 reasons on why you need to visit Smithfield Market:
- It’s a local monument of Belfast.
- The staff are friendly and approachable – Say hi!
- The building itself is pretty small in size so therefore easy to get from shop to shop.
- It has a mixture of traditional and modern shops to cater for all types of customers, and appeals to both young and old.
- Many of the shops have been there for years and therefore many shops will have a fascinating history the staff are sure to be happy enough to share with you.
‘3 Little Desserts’, a shop that specialises in making custom made cakes and desserts, felt like representation was really important in retail businesses. A friendly employee of the business said,
“People just come to Castlecourt and go back [home]. They don’t come to Smithfield, you know, if people where to know that we’re here, that would be nice.”
An employee of McCanns: Army Navy Supplies had similar views. He felt that Castlecourt and the successful, well-known shop franchises within it where achieving more customers than Smithfield because they had more financial help and recognition, not just abroad Northern Ireland but potentially worldwide. The employee explained how he personally felt that the government where a part to play in Smithfield’s lack of customers and recognition. He said,
“People don’t do enough for us.”
An employee of Mannequins described how the customers are what make running these businesses worthwhile. Mannequins has been in Smithfield’s Market for a total of 27 years, and during this time she claimed how most of her returning customers have turned into close friends. Employees of McCanns: Army Navy Supplies felt similar as this particular shop has been run by family members and friends for over a whooping 80 years. When asked if any interesting people had entered their shop during that time, the friendly employee of McCanns: Army Navy Supplies stated how the famous actor Jason Momoa, known mostly for his roles in Game Of Thrones and Aquaman, had actually entered and purchased items from his shop twice. So, there you go – Even celebrities are attracted to Smithfield Market!
Overall, all the employees interviewed stated that business was better years ago, and although the internet and social media does help bring awareness to the Market, this is simply not enough. Castlecourt and other businesses have stolen the attention of the public, causing Smithfield stores to suffer. Therefore, there’s one major message aimed to all the local customer’s of Belfast out there:
Go to Smithfield!
You should give support to local and small businesses that are potentially struggling against big, famous franchises. The people that run these businesses are local people like you and me. They are friends, family members, employers and more. So be mindful. The next time you find yourself up in Castlecourt for some shopping, why not call into Smithfield too? There will be lots of friendly, familiar faces there to welcome you.
The following is a list of shops currently in Smithfield Market:
Collectibles, souvenirs and antiques
Repairs and alterations
Sport, Army and Camping supplies
Food
Clothing
Hair and Beauty
Other
