Why Manchester Christmas market vendors are raising prices

Visitors to Manchester's Christmas markets have been met with high prices for seasonal food and treats, prompting questions about who benefits from the increases. Vendors at the event report that higher expenses for ingredients, energy, staff, and daily operations mean they are making less money overall despite charging customers more. Business owners highlight that running multiple stalls requires thousands of pounds a day to cover basic necessities, forcing them to absorb portions of the financial burden to keep shoppers coming. Meanwhile, customers have noticed the steeper prices and altered their spending habits by sharing portions or questioning the value of individual items.