Stodds of Leicester marking the business’s 50th year of trading at Newark Market
The third generation of a family described as “integral part of Newark’s market” are now celebrating a ‘golden’ year of trading.
Neil Stodds, of Stodds of Leicester, will be marking the business’s 50th year of trading at Newark Market tomorrow (Saturday August 17) after the business began trading there in 1974 by Kevin Stodds, Neil’s father.
Stodds offer a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, with very early starts and long hours, getting up at 1am to source and work on the presentation of their produce and trading until 5pm.
Neil has been working in the family business since he was a school boy, helping out at the business’s stall in Newark on Saturday mornings for pocket money, and then took over the business from his father Kevin.
He said: “My dad branched out into Newark as he fancied a different venture, and we’re still here.
“We love the hustle and bustle of Newark and there’s a lot of nice people here, we’ve got lots of nice loyal customers.
“The markets team [at Newark Town Council] are really helpful and the town has got a really good vibe.”
Neil joked that he often has customers asking him for 3lb of ‘small ones’ as they believe they will be priced cheaper, not believing it will weigh the same.
Ian Harrison, markets manager at Newark Town Council, said: “The Stodds family have been loyal partners to Newark Royal Market for 50 years. They continue to be an integral part of the market offering high quality fruit and vegetables.
“As the challenges to the high street and markets have evolved, over the years, with supermarkets and online shopping, the Stodds family and current operator Neil Stodds have continued to loyally support markets.
“They continue to have a high reputation and massive customer following in Newark we are proud of their service and reputation. May they continue to support Newark Royal Market for generations to come.”
Stodds of Leicester also trade at Moreton in Marsh on Tuesdays and Hinckley on Fridays.
