DESPITE the boss of Beales still being un-impressed with the Christmas market in Bournemouth, it seems the vote from the shoppers and market stall holders is that it adds a positive extra to the town.

As the Daily Echo reported yesterday, Tony Brown, managing director of Beales, describes it as being not that different from how it was last year, which he dubbed as selling “burgers, booze and tat”.

However, Christmas shoppers and market traders have described the market as offering an alternative and additional choice to the local shops.

Michael Pettett, a Royal Marine from Poole, said: “I think that the market is a nice feature to the town, as I’ve come to Bournemouth to have a look round the stalls.

He added: “The only thing you don’t know is the quality of the products, I agree with that, so I’ll probably still buy more from the shops than from the market.”

Liz Jones, 58, an editor, holidaying in Bournemouth from Oxford, said: “We don’t have anything like this at home, so I think that the market is funny and I like the carousel.

“It’s a nice idea and I wouldn’t say it’s tatty, and it’s better than it was last year.”

Beryl Pearce, retired from Wareham, said: “It adds a bit of atmosphere to the town, which is the main reason why my friend, Irene and I, try to come down to Bournemouth, to have a look round.”

Peter Brown, 63, visiting the market with his wife, Sheila, 62, from Weymouth, said: “I think it gets you into the spirit of Christmas.

“The stalls and the stage fill out the Square and when they play live music, I’m sure it brings more people.

“It’s entirely different from the shops as it offers something different.”

Lisa Flanders, who runs a costume jewellery stall, said: “I did this Christmas market last year and it’s very good for me, as I trade locally anyway.

“I don’t think it’s tacky and the stalls don’t detract from the shops, as they offer an alternative choice.

“I have tried to offer more lower end products this year, due to the recession, but I think the market creates a brilliant atmosphere and it makes the town more Christmassy.

“The thing is we offer stocking fillers which is what people want to buy and I’m sure some people come here just to see the market, so it has boosted footfall.”

Alberto Gualapuro-Muenula, who has an ethnic clothing stall, said: “I started doing this market three years ago and last year business went down and I think it’s dropped a bit more this year.

“The weather is bad which doesn’t help either.

“But I think the presentation of the market is better this year and more people are coming to see it, although they are spending less.”