West Oxfordshire’s markets going strong as shoppers give their verdict

The results come as West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive has supported extending its agreement with Cotswold Markets Ltd, following a successful first year managing the markets. 

Cotswold Markets Ltd took over the operation of the Charter Markets in August 2025, with the Council’s latest review showing strong performance alongside positive feedback from shoppers and traders. 

A survey of 143 market customers found 98% were satisfied with customer service, 96% with product quality and 95% with the atmosphere of the markets. Many shoppers also said they had noticed improvements, including more stalls, greater variety and a more attractive market environment. 

Councillor Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economic Development at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: 

“As a council, we recognised there was an opportunity to make our markets better, so took action to bring in new management arrangements, and it’s fantastic to see those changes delivering results for shoppers and traders.  

Our markets are part of what makes our towns great places to live and visit. You can browse the stalls, pick up quality produce, talk to traders who really know what they’re selling and often bump into someone you know along the way. That sense of connection and community is something you simply don’t get everywhere. 

“It’s really encouraging to see so many people coming back to our markets and giving such positive feedback. Every visit helps support independent traders and keeps our town centres lively and distinctive. 

“We want our markets to keep growing and evolving, with more variety, new stalls and more reasons to visit. That’s why it’s so important we keep listening to shoppers and traders, so we can build on what’s working well and make our markets even better.” 

Mathew Joynes, Office & Event Manager at Cotswold Market Ltd, said: 

"We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to operate markets in both Chipping Norton and Witney. Our goal was to re-establish these great markets within the historic market towns, and thanks to the help of both stall holders and council staff we are well on our way to doing so. There is still opportunity for further growth and development, something that we are looking forward to achieving alongside the council, stall holders and local support." 

Jamie Curtis, The Lucky Elephant, said: 

"Since trading at the 'new' market from last summer, the response from local people and visitors has been very positive. We have an increasing number of young people coming to my stall, but I think it has really helped some of the elderly residents and the community in general." 

The positive customer feedback is backed up by a strong first year for the markets. Stall occupancy has consistently exceeded the Council’s 75% target, with Witney regularly achieving between 90% and 99% occupancy and Chipping Norton reaching 100% in May 2026. 

The review also found improvements in how the markets are organised and presented, alongside better support for traders and increased promotion. A separate survey found trader confidence and satisfaction had increased significantly, although traders identified further promotion to increase footfall and awareness as the main opportunity for improvement.  

Looking ahead, the Council and market operator will focus on growing and strengthening the markets further, from attracting a wider variety of stalls and exploring family-friendly activities to better signage and creating an even livelier market-day atmosphere. 

Interested in having a stall at our Charter Markets? Visit our website to find out more.