There’s always been a wall of colour greeting all that approach Leicester Market.
From the fresh fruit and veg produce to the wondrous fabrics, it’s never grey. A lot of those colours also come from the fantastic shelves of Neal’s Cards and Gifts.
With rows and rows of wonderful, personal presents and gifts, you’ll be spoilt for choice and with occasions upon occasion throughout the year, you will never be left without. Amit Memi, who owns the store, loves helping out the residents of Leicester, no matter what they’re celebrating and has encouraged potential customers to come along to find something they might not get on the high street.
He said: “It’s a fun line, we get Christmas, we get Mothers’ Day and Valentines’ Day. It’s never boring.
“You get better quality cards at cheaper prices and a free bag!”
Whilst he now runs Neil’s Cards and Gifts, Amit has always had a strong affinity with Leicester Market, having been working there since a young age and his love for the market has not changed since.
“It’s like a family. We all know each other and we get on. Everyone helps each other through good and bad times,” Amit continued. “I’ve been working since I was a kid. I just enjoyed the atmosphere and there’s a nice buzz every day. There’s a community of people of different cultures and it’s just exciting to work here.
“We took over in 2008 and it’s been going from strength to strength. I’ve got experience of the market having been working here since 1991 so it’s been a long time now.”
It would be fair to say that in his time working and 12 years having run Neal’s Cards and Gifts, that the market has changed somewhat. However, what has never altered is the great response and positive reaction that he and his store receives from customers of all ages.
He said: “There’s a wide range of customers from all different age groups. Our main customer base is probably 50+ but now over the past couple of years, I’ve been trying for the younger ones and they’re starting to come in now.”
If you’re celebrating an occasion soon, make sure you get down to Leicester Market and see Amit at Neal’s Cards and Gifts.
The Outdoor Market is Monday-Saturday between 8am-5pm.