The unit opened in half of what was once the Helen & Douglas House charity store unit.

It is a neighbor of the Oxford Soap Company, which opened in the neighboring space the previous month.

To re-read: Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop has lost its charm

The city council owns the market and has used a policy of splitting up large empty units to attract new tenants.

After a promising first year, like all other companies, Fedele Oxford was shocked when the pandemic struck.

But he has managed to survive the inevitable effect on his business and his co-owners, Hamim Rahman and Jaf D’Souza, are optimistic about the future.

Mr D’Souza said: “October in the indoor market has been busy so far – attendance has been good.

“When the trip stopped, there were no tourists from other countries.

“I think we are starting to see international tourists coming back, which is very positive.

“The beauty of the covered market is that they are all independent traders – you couldn’t find them anywhere else in town.

Read more: Simply Red joins Lionel Richie at Blenheim’s Nocturne

“Earlier this year, I think the effects of the pandemic were still being felt, but trade is definitely picking up now. ”

Mr D’Sousza said the store chooses the leather it needs to create its own bags, which range in price from £ 12 to £ 400.

And he pays great attention to detail, to make sure he gets the best zippers and accessories.

Store staff are now responding to requests from customers who want premium bags that last but are not made from animal skin.

Mr D’Souza said they are working hard to find “vegan leather” products to meet the growing number of customer demands.

Vegan leather is a material that mimics leather, but is created from artificial or plant products instead of animal hides.

He added, “You can make mushroom, pineapple and mango bags and backpacks with a durability of about four to 12 years.

“The price is more expensive than natural leather and that reflects the manufacturing process.

“We currently stock around 89 different bags and if we had a larger unit we would stock more. ”

Read more: Jemima Khan online above vehicle access to cemetery

In July, Fedele Oxford hosted Mayor Mark Lygo to celebrate Independents Day, which highlights the work of independent traders. Independents Day, July 4, encouraged shoppers to “buy local” and support their local independent stores, rather than visiting chain stores or shopping online.

Mr D’Souza said at the time: “We invited the mayor to encourage people to buy local and to make people aware that the indoor market has so much to offer, with over 50 traders.