mmg.com.au

Offering bargains will not be the main motivation of every business involved in the newly named Shepparton Summer City Market on Friday and Saturday.

Joanne Fichera said her Lindy Boutique colleague Trudy Gribben used a public address system to encourage shoppers into their store during past markets.

‘‘The customers are coming for the bargains, of course, but we’re still there to give service,’’ Mrs Fichera said.

‘‘Customer service out front and in the store is still important.’’

Aussie Disposals employee Monique Walsh expected the store to be busy because the market will be close to holiday periods.

‘‘Tents, swags and camping accessories should be popular, especially with Easter (in April) and a long weekend in March coming,’’ Mrs Walsh said.

‘‘It takes a couple of days to organise all our stock and work out what we’re going to reduce and have on special.’’

Shepparton Show Me chairman Barry Smith said the event needed a change after more than 30 years as the ‘‘Bush Market’’.

‘‘We thought we would freshen it up and focus a bit more on the fashion,’’ Mr Smith said.

‘‘We have plans to make it bigger and brighter again next year.’’

Greater Shepparton City Council business and industry team leader Geoff Hay said the market would be a family event.

Mr Hay said an animal nursery, food court and musical entertainment would complement the available shopping opportunities.

‘‘We’re trying to promote Shepparton as the city retailing hub of the area,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s really up to the retailers to get families involved because that’s what the mall is all about.’’

Mr Smith said Fryers St would be blocked for businesses from elsewhere to operate market sites.