A new website has been created to make it easier for shoppers to find out more about what’s on offer at Oxford’s Covered Market.
The historic market’s new website oxfordcoveredmarket.com will make it so much easier for visitors to navigate the vast array of shops, services and food and drink outlets.
It has been created by landlord Oxford City Council following an approach by the Covered Market Traders’ Association to take over the running of the original site. It was agreed the website needed replacing to bring it right up to date.
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Imogen Thomas, cabinet member responsible for City Centre Action Plan delivery at Oxford City Council, said: “Walking into the Covered Market is like opening a ‘Box of Delights’ - there’s a dazzling array of different products from the very best local independent traders, from juicy red apples to decadent cakes, or you could buy a new outfit or read a book. Whatever you like to treat yourself or someone else to, you will find it in the Covered Market.
“You’re also spoilt for choice with breakfast or lunch options. The new website will make it really easy for shoppers to decide how they want to spend their money and our new accessibility and travel sections means more people will be able to plan a visit and find the market more easily”.
The new, easy-to-search website has been designed by Oxfordshire web design agency XIST2, creating a new showcase for the traders. The site has been enabled with a number of new functions to enhance the experience for both visitors and traders.
As well as individual trader pages highlighting the goods and services on offer, new filters help to narrow the search. An easy menu at the top of the screen lets users search for something by type, such as produce or fashion. There is also a “Looking for…” section to help visitors search for something such as lunch, a Christmas gift, or a good cup of coffee.
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In addition, the new website will keep people fully up to date with news, promotional deals and all the other kinds of experiences the market has to offer as well as the option to sign up for a market-specific newsletter and social media sign-up. The new home page now has a suggestion area and a ‘What’s On’ section for future events.
A market map will help visitors find exactly where each trader’s unit is. By clicking on the name in the list, the map will identify their location and provides a summary about the trader, their opening times, possible delivery options and how to get in touch.
There’s also a dedicated page to help anyone who has accessibility requirements get fully informed about what to expect when coming to the market, including the number of steps they will encounter.
Alex Sayers, account director at website designers XIST2, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to work with Oxford City Council on another exciting project.”
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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