The other side of the counter

The other side of the counter

In a ringing endorsement of the future of the Queen Victoria Market, former CEO Malcolm McCullough and market manager Mark Scott have bought in.

The pair left the management of the market mid-year, but have re-emerged as joint owners of Bill’s Farm in the deli hall.

The pair said that, after leaving the market, they intended to create a business together so when the opportunity to buy Bill’s Farm came up, they took the plunge.

Being on the other side of the counter is a huge challenge, but they say they’re up for it.  The long hours, seven days a week are just the start of the changes.  A stallholder’s work is never done!

Mark said: “We love the market.  We’re passionate about it.  It’s a privilege to serve the local community who have been coming here for decades. They’re big shoes to fill, but we’re up for the challenge.”

Forever on the look out for a marketing opportunity, Mr Scott said: “We offer farm fresh, quality products from all over the world at an affordable price.”

The pair also offers curated, delivered platters to off-site customers.

For Mr McCullough, it’s a return to his retailing roots. When he resigned as CEO on July after little more than a year, one of his reasons was to get back to basics.

And serving from the deli counter at Bill’s Farm is very intimate customer facing.

“We’ve always said the market renewal was a good thing for traders.  We weren’t joking!”

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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