Rug trader 'excited for the future' after settling into life at new-look indoor market
A market trader is excited for the future at his new location.
AfghanPure is up and running at the recently refurbished Macclesfield Market Hall.
After a challenging period while the works took place, owner Waheed Farooqi Zargar is feeling optimistic as his business enters a new era.
He said: "The market looks so much nicer now, although there are still a few finishing touches to be made.
"Our business had been badly impacted by the works and the footfall is still not as it should be.
"But we are all really hopeful and excited for the future!
"Every trader here at the market adds value to the town and offers something that keeps people shopping in Macclesfield."
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Waheed moved to the UK from Afghanistan in 2022.
Initially running the business from home, it was not long before he opened a store at the indoor market.
With the assistance of his family in Afghanistan, Waheed imports authentic handmade rugs, kilims, cushion covers, shoulder bags, jewellery and crystals.
"Macclesfield is famous for silk and while I don't have a lot of silk for sale, I thought this store would be a way of connecting Afghanistan and the UK," Waheed said.
"There are a lot of skills and arts in Afghanistan and there is a good demand for these products here."
Waheed ended up living in Macclesfield by chance, admitting that he hadn't actually heard of the town before.
"Now, this is a place that I am proud to call home," he said.
"When I arrived I wanted to earn money but importantly, I wanted to be active in the community and be a positive contribution to society."
Waheed is also passionate about supporting female artisans in Afghanistan.
By importing their products he is helping to provide job and food security for them and their dependents.
He added: "The most important thing to me is authenticity and human touch.
"All of our items are handmade from organic materials.
"Most of the time you are trading with entities and you do not know the owner.
"Here at AfghanPure, every item has a story."
Following the refurbishment, AfghanPure now takes pride of place at Macclesfield's indoor market.
The store has three sides, showcasing rugs, jewellery and gemstones respectively.
"It has made it so much easier for customers to look around," Waheed said.
AfghanPure is open from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Saturday.
You can also find Waheed at the Treacle Market on the last Sunday of the month, located on Chestergate by the Button Warehouse.
Alternatively, get in touch by calling 07591014906 or via email, [email protected].
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Support from local organisations such as them helps us keep our local news free and easy-to-read.
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