Get Setts for shoe sales!

Reader Deborah Woodhouse has shared some wonderfully vivid memories of the unique Sheffield shoe shopping experience that was the Setts market.
The Friday Setts Market shoe sale, seen on September 10, 1993The Friday Setts Market shoe sale, seen on September 10, 1993
The Friday Setts Market shoe sale, seen on September 10, 1993

Deborah used to visit the Friday Setts shoe market in the early 1980s on the open-air stalls that were next door to the Sheaf Market in Exchange Street.

She writes: “Back in the day I still remember the excitement of a visit to Setts market on a Friday morning in the hope of bagging some bargain, fabulous, gorgeous shoes.

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I’d get up at the crack of dawn and my dad would drive me there in his old, battered Vauxhall Viva car.

Shoppers browse among the stalls in the Sheffield Setts Market one Monday afternoon, on September 13, 1982Shoppers browse among the stalls in the Sheffield Setts Market one Monday afternoon, on September 13, 1982
Shoppers browse among the stalls in the Sheffield Setts Market one Monday afternoon, on September 13, 1982

We had to be there early, just before 6.30am, in order to scoop the best bargains and before the shoes were loaded on to the tables.

And, of course, assume our position for the battle ahead.

Then it was every man, woman and child for themselves!

Grabbing shoes, pushing to the front of the crowd, and trying to find the second shoe to make a pair!

Sheffield Setts Market in 1974 - clearly not pushchair-friendlySheffield Setts Market in 1974 - clearly not pushchair-friendly
Sheffield Setts Market in 1974 - clearly not pushchair-friendly

And at times looking across the table and seeing another girl holding the shoe that matched the one I had in my hand.

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And then the standoff!! Who was the most stubborn or had the most time to wait it out for the other to give up and toss the single back into the mass of shoes?

Some I won, some I lost.

Us Sheffield women were a hardy, determined bunch and I don’t think I was the only one who enjoyed the process as well as the shoes.

Another picture of the Setts flea market in September 1982Another picture of the Setts flea market in September 1982
Another picture of the Setts flea market in September 1982

I remember getting a beautiful pair of high heeled cream sandals for £1.99 for my first wedding in the early 80s.

The shoes lasted longer than the marriage, as I recall, but my feet looked beautiful on my wedding day.

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The experience of finding the shoes, buying them and then carrying them home in a brown paper bag was part of the triumph and fun of it all.

And shopping for shoes in Meadowhall just doesn’t compare.

Those were the days...”