With over 700 years of history, it’s fair to say that there’s plenty of stories to be told at Leicester Market – none more so than at Ida’s Haberdashery.
Having served Leicester for nearly five decades since 1973, they have become one of the better-known names in a diverse cauldron of modern traders.
Supplying sewing supplies, any fledgling designers and dressmakers will find an Aladdin’s Cave of accessories, an aspect that has never changed since opening, Lisa Clough, who works on the stall, has revealed.
She said: “I have been here for three years but this business has been here since 1973. It’s kept its original name all the way from there.
“Since then, the business has actually been hustling and bustling. They had a whole downstairs and whole upstairs. There was nothing that you couldn’t get.”
Upon stepping into the shop, it’s clear that there is a deep passion for sewing and knitting, with the endless list of zips, fabrics, ribbons, threads and other accessories on offer at truly amazing prices.
Whilst online shops have become somewhat dominant in recent years, Lisa has suggested that seeing a friendly face and getting to see the products close up are key in the industry, something that sets Ida’s Haberdashery apart.
She said: “With this kind of business, people need to touch, feel and see. Buying online, you’re not getting exactly what you see in the photos.”
That steady influx of people getting interested in making clothes has only benefited Ida’s Haberdashery, with a new generation slowly but surely coming through and coming down to visit Leicester Market.
“Seriously, we are serving five to six year olds all the way to 80s and 90s – they all want to have a go,” Lisa continued. “I get grandmas in here wanting to teach their grandchildren how to cross-stitch and knit. We also get university students in fashion design, shoe design. It’s the whole spectrum.”
Whilst the city has altered in the time that they have been open, one aspect that has not changed is the deep-rooted community of traders from different walks of life and backgrounds.
“We’re all like a close-knit family, every single one of us. We all look out for one another. It’s lovely and nice to be part of.”
If you’re an aspiring designer or seamstress, make sure you get down to Leicester Market and Ida’s Haberdashery.
The Outdoor Market is open every Monday through to Saturday between 8am-5pm.