Burton-based commercial property agents, Rushton Hickman Ltd, has recently completed the letting of a 312 SqFt (28.98 SqM) retail unit to Harmless Market, which specialise in offering fresh produce to the vegan and vegetarian community. The property is located in Burton upon Trent marketplace, which previously traded as `Steam’ vape shop.

The Harmless Market concept is to provide fresh organic fruit & veg, with a focus on British grown and what’s in season to keep `food miles’ low. Plastic packaging won’t be used, to enable customers to purchase, by weight,  only what they need therefore reducing unnecessary food wastage. There will be a large range of fresh goods and pantry staples available, celebrating local independent producers. This will include local artisan bakers’ real sourdough, which is naturally fermented and is something not often found in the larger `chain’ supermarkets.

Harmless Market Proprietor – Marley Wildsmith is bucking the mainstream supermarket trend of increasing self-service reliance/removing check outs and instead is continuing to provide a `human’ element for shoppers. The key to this is providing good old fashioned customer service with a personal touch, whilst celebrating the crafts of local artisans.

Marley said “I came up with the Harmless Market concept as I have always lived around the Burton area and whilst there are plenty of supermarkets, I’ve often struggled to find a decent selection of quality artisan groceries without having to travel further afield or shop online. The Market Place provides the perfect location in Burton due to its close proximity to car parks and the shopping centres, yet it still retains some excellent period architecture and has a certain charm about it.

I grew up with my parents and grandparents running their own businesses and have always wanted to do the same. There will be a nod to the past as the shop is in the style of a traditional grocery store, but future focused at the same time with sustainability and customer experience at the heart of what we do. We will be offering services such as click & collect and local delivery, as well as introducing veg boxes and meal kits in the near future. Do sign up to our mailing list or follow us on social media to stay tuned for when this launches.

We officially opened at 10am on Wed 30^th November and whilst everything we sell is plant based, our store is not just for vegans. Everyone will be able to find some interesting and exciting products, whether they’re doing a weekly shop or looking for a gift that’s a little bit different. The days of mundane food shopping are gone!

It was a pleasure to work with Simon and the rest of the team at Rushton Hickman. They made the whole process very smooth, with prompt communication and efficient service throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rushton Hickman to others requiring their services.”

Rushton Hickman Commercial Property Agent – Simon Walker said “This is further good news and choice for Burton town centre shoppers. Personal customer service coupled with fresh market and artisan products will no doubt be welcomed by the local communities. This is another successful letting to an independent business for Rushton Hickman and we wish Marley every success in his new venture.”

To find out how Rushton Hickman can assist with your commercial property matters, please contact Rushton Hickman Property Consultants on 01283 517747 or email property@rushtonhickman.com