The Open market has been a feature of Brighton Life since the 1800’s. The market underwent major development in the early part of the 21st century and reopened as a covered market in 2014.

As the Open market moved from Oxford Street after the First World War, to the Level, then to Marshall’s Row, and on to its present position, it took with it some barrow boys who had pitches on these sites. Both Johnnie Stevens and Mr. Harding, a fishmonger, followed this route from barrow boy to the relative security of a position in the open market, virtually a shop-keeper.

One notable feature of the poorer working shopkeeper’s business was its social function. Shopping, though a chore, became a pleasurable and integrating activity in the neighbourhood. This social element was less evident in the professional shops.

Thus the shop functioned as a citizens advice bureau, gossip exchange, information centre and betting office. Some shopkeepers were also money lenders. Distrust of doctors, as well as inability to afford their fees, encouraged many to go to the chemist for advice and home remedies: it was a form of community health centre.

The small local shop served a social purpose in providing a focus for neighbourhood life. The few that remain still carry on this tradition, but today shopping has lost many of its social functions, and has become simply buying.

You have now reached the end of the walk. We hope this has highlighted how shopping has changed in Brighton.