Local Interest in a New Central Market

An important factor to be considered in deciding on the nature and practicability of building a new retail market is the extent of interest among consumers, and others in supporting it. There would be no reason to build a new market it these groups were not interested in
using it.

An attempt was made to find out the attitude of all interested groups toward the proposal for building a new retail market in Cleveland.
Approximately 95 percent of the dealers recognized the detects in the market and recommended that a new one be built. These dealers stated they would want space in a new market it constructed. Many dealers stated they would want more space than they had in Central Market and would be willing to pay somewhat larger rentals.

Two-thirds of the buyers who were interviewed expressed an opinion as to whether a new market should be built. Seventy-five percent of this group recommended that a new and modern market should be built. Some buyers did not express an opinion because of the lack of information on the new market location. They wanted to be assured that public transportation and parking space would be available nearby before stating whether they would use the facilities. They also were concerned as to whether retail prices would have to be raised in the new market to offset economies that were realized tn Central Market.

Representatives of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, wholesale food interests, and many other organizations and individuals were interviewed during the survey. All expressed an interest in the replacement of Central Market as an improvement for Cleveland.

Practically all departments of the administration of Cleveland were interested in the development of a new central market. Naturally some of the city officials and representatives of private organizations were concerned as to whether the cost of the market might be liquidated within a reasonable time and whether there was an economic need for such a market.

There appeared to be general agreement among dealers, buyers, and others who were directly concerned with Central Market, that it should be relocated. There were some differences of opinion among the various groups as to where the market should be located and whether the cost could be liquidated within a reasonable time.