The Tenerife Street Vendors Association has issued a statement in which it requests that the Santa Cruz Trail be permanently installed as “physical marketplace” and that “street vendors be accommodated permanently.”
They list issues such as that “street vendors provide a diversity of products that can enrich the market’s offering,” in addition to highlighting the “business opportunity” they offer: “Street merchants are, for the most part, local entrepreneurs who look for opportunities to earn an honest living. By allowing us to participate in the flea market, the city council would be supporting small businesses and contributing to the generation of local employment.”
They indicate that street vendors “bring additional income to the flea market, which could be beneficial to the local economy” and that the “inclusion of street vendors could attract a more diverse audience to the flea market, which would benefit both fixed merchants and the street vendors.” This could increase the influx of visitors and buyers to the flea market in general.”
Issues such as cultural exchange or regulatory control are another aspect that the association considers important so that the Santa Cruz Rastro can have a permanent physical space open to the public with longer hours.
“Allowing the participation of street vendors in the market can be a beneficial decision for both the community and the city council. It offers economic opportunities, product diversity and enriches the shopping experience at the supermarket, as long as adequate regulations are established to guarantee a safe and fair market environment for all merchants,” they point out.
