Liverpool entrepreneur Craig Smith launches a new open-air market in the city with 20 stalls selling ‘high end British brands’. Tony McDonough reports

A new outdoor market featuring “high end British brands” has launched at New Mersey Shopping Park in south Liverpool this weekend.

Liverpool entrepreneur Craig Smith is offering 20 pagoda-style stalls at the Big Kahuna Market at the Speke location at weekends. They will sell a range of goods from food to high-end fashion and jewellery.

Craig opened his first Big Kahuna food stall at Great Homer Street Market 16 years ago and now runs a market equipment and street food catering business for clients across the UK.

This last Big Kahuna Market venue will also feature buskers and other acts delivering live performances during the day. There will be competitions, giveaways and special promotions running throughout the event.

Visitors can enjoy what organisers describe as “sensational Caribbean culinary delights” as well as a wide range of other food including cakes, doughnuts, pies and chutneys.

Taking centre stage with an exhibition unit at the centre of the market space will be a diamond showcase operated by Liverpool-based jewellery retailer, Say It With.

And the latest collection from Lola Starr, the sought-after British activewear brand, was launched exclusively on the opening day.

Craig said: “Having started out at the Greatie Market all those years ago and helped to set up street food markets and events for the likes of Battersea Power Station, Westfield London and the Trafford Centre, markets are in my blood.

“I was over the moon when New Mersey Shopping Park offered me the chance to bring my idea of the Big Kahuna Market to life in Speke.

“We have chosen to model each stall in a similar pagoda style to create a high-end environment and we have included a stand-out exhibition space where brands can launch new products or deliver campaign activations. 

“We hope this will complement the quality offer of the individual traders and combine to generate high footfall for everyone across the site.”

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Stallholders include men’s sportswear brand Marelle, Nanny Pearl’s Caribbean food, Mama Soods chutneys, Pie Smiths, Getyermacaron macaroons, Sparkles Studio Boutique and  Decent Donuts.

The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC Liverpool) has supported the initiative, which is expected to have a significant economic impact in the area.

Russell Hall from New Mersey Shopping Park, aded: “Craig is a talented Liverpool entrepreneur with an impressive track record and a national reputation. He has come up with a brilliant concept.”