The World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) has today (27 January) announced the launch of a new division that will specifically focus on the construction, management and organisation of retail markets.

The division, named the World Union of Retail Markets, will aim to support retail market owners, managers and traders for an area that has seen increasingly active support and development within WUWM over recent years.

“We are very proud to launch this new Section of WUWM,” said WUWM chairman Graham Wallace. “This further supports our aim to unite the markets industry, thereby offering markets a more effective voice within the sector, as well as with decision-makers at all levels, everywhere.”

“Retail markets are being increasingly recognised as effective social and economic tools for those local authorities wanting to ensure effective food security and healthy local food economies,” he added.

A European retail market study launched by WUWM in 2008 showed that at least 25,000 markets exist within the EU alone, with more than 450,000 retail market traders operating businesses on those markets. Additionally, more than 1m people are employed on EU retail markets, with the total turnover surpassing €35bn.

The World Union of Retail Markets section within WUWM will be chaired by Jean-Paul Auguste, president of GroupeGeraud, a fourth generation family business created in 1880 that conceives, develops, funds and manages public market facilities in partnership with local and regional public authorities in both France and the UK.

“We believe the World Union of Retail Markets will be an effective force in the international promotion of the values and benefits of retail markets,” said Mr Geraud.

“This representation will support the ongoing existence of retail markets in service to consumers and communities, and help to ensure the livelihood of small and medium enterprises as well as market traders well into the future.”

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