Advertisement
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: HALF PRICE Big Issue magazine subscription
SUBSCRIBE
News

Popular Big Issue vendor Nick has enjoyed a prolific return to his pitch

The M&S Lemon Quay seller shared a tearful reunion with his regulars after 15 weeks in lockdown

Nick Cuthbert Exposure Photo Agency

Nick Cuthbert. Image: Exposure Photo Agency

Truro Big Issue stalwart Nick Cuthbert has spoken of how some of his customers were reduced to tears when reunited with him as he enjoyed a bumper return to his pitch.

Vendor Nick joined hundreds of vendors in yesterday’s big comeback after 15 weeks in lockdown following The Big Issue’s decision to remove vendors from the streets to protect them from the Covid-19 pandemic.

He returned to his Lemon Quay M&S pitch alongside his pet dog Bryony to be greeted with smiles from staff at the store and a strong reception from customers, selling 36 magazines.

Nick Cuthbert credit John Bradshaw
Nick has been keeping his card reader on a chair to help maintain social distancing (Credit: John Bradshaw)

It’s down to the hard work Nick put in to inform customers of his return, he insisted, after he put a sign on his pitch to spread the word.

“I wasn’t too surprised that sales were good because I had been around the city centre the week before laying it on!” Nick told The Big Issue. “I had a sign up on my pitch to inform customers that I was coming back so I was confident!

“You have to be confident – you can’t be ill or in a bad mood to do this job, it just doesn’t happen if you’re like that and if you let it get to you when you’re not selling then you won’t sell. It’s almost down to an aura coming off you.

Advertisement
Advertisement

“I’ve enjoyed seeing my customers again and a few of them have been nearly in tears saying that it’s a pity that we can’t hug.

“And all the staff at M&S have been telling me that it is brilliant to see me back and they have been greeting me with big happy smiles.

“Bryony been getting plenty of attention too and her tail has been going mad when she’s seen a couple of regulars

“It’s been a bit slower today but I’ve still managed to sell another 20 mags or so by lunchtime.”

Nick Cuthbert return Truro sign July 2020
Enterprising vendor Nick placed this sign on his pitch to inform customers that he would return on July 6

While vendors have returned to their pitches this week, it has not been a complete return to normality. The Big Issue has brought in a series of health and safety measures, provided vendors with a new rucksack, PPE and a focus on contactless payments.

Nick was the first vendor in Cornwall to start using a card reader back in May last year and has adapted to the new rules so that his customers can feel safe and buy the magazine with confidence.

He added: “For the customers who are really uncomfortable about distancing, I’ve got my card reader on a holder on a chair next to a big bottle of hand sanitiser so I can step away and they can use the machine.

“I think my customers have found it reassuring. I’ve had the card reader for a year and yesterday was the busiest it has been since Christmas.”

If you’re out and about this week, please support Big Issue vendors who are back on the street working hard to lift themselves out of poverty. Please buy the magazine to give them a hand up not a hand out.

Image: Exposure Photo Agency

Advertisement

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

View all
Ukrainian mum who fled war dreams of buying Christmas tree and presents for her children
Christmas

Ukrainian mum who fled war dreams of buying Christmas tree and presents for her children

Labour must 'immediately' scrap two-child benefit cap if it wants to end child poverty, charities say
phillipson and starmer at school
Child poverty

Labour must 'immediately' scrap two-child benefit cap if it wants to end child poverty, charities say

Labour vow to end cladding crisis by 2029 leaves campaigners fearing 'living nightmare' will continue
Image of flats in London next to the Thames
Cladding crisis

Labour vow to end cladding crisis by 2029 leaves campaigners fearing 'living nightmare' will continue

Last Christmas I was in prison. This year I'm working in a London fine-dining restaurant
Christmas

Last Christmas I was in prison. This year I'm working in a London fine-dining restaurant

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know