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In the heart of Belfast’s retail district, Smithfield Market is alive
and bustling with a variety of specialist businesses offering an
exciting range of individual and unique goods and services.
It opens from 9am in the morning until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.
The shopping opportunities are endless.
There is something for everyone to try, from boxing, to camping gear,
souvenirs and collectables, to model toys and much much more.
Sam Watson sells model soldiers and military miniatures all over the
world from his small shop in Smithfield.
Sam’s been here a long time.
About 16 years ...came here after retirement from work.
I wanted something to do so I started a hobby up.
And the ideal place was Smithfield Market because with multi-nationals,
big companies are buying over here
and there and leaving the small guys behind.
If the people of Belfast are looking a watch fixed, toy soldiers, games,
alterations to clothing, Smithfield market has it all.
Which is very rare in this modern day.
The much loved variety market at Smithfield was built on the site of
the old corn and hide market in 1848.
It started off selling produce that included cattle, peddlers’
goods, grain and hide.
It is best remembered though for its stalls packed full of old and new
books, pictures, records, bric-a- brac to more specialist traders such
as locksmiths, watchmakers and jewellers.
Unfortunately the old building was completely destroyed by fire
bombs in 1974 but its replacement is still full of characters.
The market here was selling anything from a needle to an anchor.
You could come here and ask for the most silly objects and you would’ve
got them.
Smithfield today has a host of 28 retail units, which certainly takes
he boredom out of shopping. The centre boasts collectables and
souvenirs, hair and beauty, second hand goods, boxing, martial arts and
army supplies. It also has Caribbean, Filipino and African
foods and a wide variety of Turkish delights, carpets, rugs, computers
and repair shops, exotic animals, reptiles and amphibians.
There is also a wide range of services available including dress
making and alterations, personalised clothing, watch repair and picture
framing, a café and shop mobility.
Smithfield is ideal for those wanting to give a unique gift to
friends or family.
I love Smithfield, I love coming down here every morning, the
characters you meet, it’s a fabulous place.
Subtitles: UTV