Dundas Market defies retail trend

A Teesside indoor market is investing in growth and supporting new businesses despite big-name closures nearby.

Dundas Indoor Market, in Middlesbrough, has added seven new units following a recent investment that created 2500sq ft of extra retail space. 

While high street brands such as NEXT have left the town centre, Dundas continues to attract independent traders offering value and variety.

Popular names such as ASB Football Shirts and PM Toys and Collectables have expanded, while quirky shop Alta Ego has doubled in size.

David Harris, centre manager at Dundas Shopping Centre and Indoor Market, who has managed the market for ten years, said: “We obviously can’t compete with giant companies like NEXT, Debenhams or House of Fraser and it’s so sad to see them close.

“But they’ve all gone and we’re still here.”

The market’s newest trader is Dazzle Me, a fashion and hair business launched by Teesside University graduate Oluwadamilola Ayeni – known as Lola.

Lola designs and makes clothes by hand and offers the latest hair trends – braids, cornrows and extensions – as well as offering expert advice.  

She said: “I’m not just here for people from the black communities, but anyone who has an interest or a passion for braiding their hair or wearing customised clothes. 

“I’m trying to bridge the gap.”

The 34-year-old used to have a fashion shop in Nigeria, but her first ambition was to be a nurse.  

She added: “As a grew older I realised that I’m scared of blood so that was no good.  

“But I always liked fashion and dressing up.  

“I started sewing for myself and realised I was quite good and decided that I would be able to do it for other people as well.”

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