After six months of getting to know the market, the traders, and every winding corner of Par Market, Robin Rickard is now officially our Market Operations Manager—the “Big Cheese.” Though he hails from Plymouth, Robin’s heart beats with Cornish pride, and he’s set on transforming Par Market & Food Hall into an unforgettable community hub for locals and holidaymakers alike.
With years of retail experience in senior roles at Asda and Costa Coffee, Robin brings a wealth of knowledge, but more importantly, a genuine passion for people. He sees Par Market as more than just a place to shop; for him, it’s a space to build connections and celebrate local talent. As a devoted family man with a son and twin daughters, Robin is committed to creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Robin knows that Par Market thrives because of its people—the loyal customers, dedicated traders, and talented team members who make it all possible. His vision is to blend tradition with fresh ideas, expanding events, updating spaces, and making sure every visitor feels like part of the Par Market family. With his infectious energy and approachable style, Robin is already becoming a true icon here, bringing new life to Par Market and building a community space that Cornwall can be proud of.
Plymouth to Par Market: A Retail Veteran with a Soft Spot for Cornwall
Robin’s journey from Plymouth to Par Market feels like a natural fit. His background in retail taught him a lot about community-centred leadership and handling the occasional mishap, like the “disappearing trolley” incident at Asda. But Par Market is special. It’s where Robin gets to bring all his experience home, supporting both the local traders and his hardworking team.
Robin's Favourite Saying?
Continuing a Legacy: Honouring John Snowball
Robin is following in the footsteps of John Snowball, a true legend in the Par Market community. John’s years of dedication transformed Par Market into a beloved local gem, and Robin feels honoured to carry that legacy forward. While he deeply respects the foundation John built, Robin is also excited to introduce fresh ideas—keeping the market’s spirit alive while adding new events, updated spaces, and a bit of extra fun for everyone.
In his first few months, Robin had the chance to learn directly from John himself. John didn’t just pass the baton; he shared invaluable tips, tricks, and memorable stories from his years at the helm. John’s advice covered everything from “the best time to snag a coffee at Café Latte” to “the top three hiding spots from traders.” With John’s steady guidance, Robin got the ultimate crash course in all the quirks and charms that make Par Market so special.
Now, with John’s wisdom in his back pocket, Robin is ready to bring his own energy to Par Market and Food Hall—welcoming new traders, hosting vibrant community events, and creating an experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
Robin’s Vision for Par Market: More Than Just a Market
Robin’s plans for Par Market extend well beyond managing day-to-day operations. His vision includes creating a place where everyone—locals, visitors, traders, and staff alike—feels part of something special. Here’s what he’s cooking up:
Expanding the Trader Family: Robin’s mission is to make Par Market the ultimate shopping destination, with a mix of local treasures, unique products, and new experiences. He’s focused on supporting local traders and bringing in fresh vendors, adding to the diversity of goods while fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.
A Holiday Hotspot: Robin knows that Cornwall draws in plenty of holidaymakers, and he wants Par Market to be a “must-visit” on every tourist’s list. His vision includes seasonal events that highlight the best of Cornwall, from summer craft fairs and autumn food festivals to holiday markets filled with festive charm. Robin’s goal is to give visitors a true taste of Cornish culture—and hopefully a reason to come back every year!
Events That Spark Joy: A big believer in community, Robin is all about creating events that bring people together. Picture tractor rally's, family craft days, and yes, even a Pasty Fest to celebrate Cornwall’s most iconic treat. (Question is: “Does he eat the crust first, or save it for last?”) His event calendar is designed to make every weekend feel like a mini-festival, giving families, friends, and holidaymakers plenty of reasons to visit.
Fostering Innovation and Accountability Among Staff: Robin isn’t just a manager—he’s a mentor, an encourager, and a team builder. He’s passionate about creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring new ideas to the table. For Robin, accountability and innovation go hand-in-hand, and he actively encourages his staff to experiment with fresh ideas, whether that’s a new display, a special event, or a quirky promotion that makes customers smile.
Creating a Space That Feels Like Home: Robin’s vision is simple but ambitious—make Par Market feel like the living room of Cornwall, where everyone is welcome. From adding family-friendly areas to improving facilities, he wants every visitor, from locals to tourists, to feel comfortable and happy to be there.
Supporting Local Artists and Creators: In Robin’s eyes, Par Market is the perfect place to celebrate Cornwall’s unique culture. He’s planning to showcase local artists, host maker’s markets, and create opportunities for community members to share their talents. (And he’s already warned the team: if anyone tries to sneak in “Plymouth-themed” souvenirs, he’s putting them on bouncy castle duty for a month!)
Family-Friendly Fun: Events for All Ages
Robin’s a proud dad of three, so he knows a thing or two about what makes a family day out special. From kids’ craft stations and story time sessions to outdoor games, Robin’s got ideas galore for making Par Market a family-favourite spot. And for the grown-ups? Pop-up beer gardens, food truck weekends, and live music are on the horizon, making Par Market the perfect spot to spend a day with the whole family.
Pro Tip: If you see Robin sampling a pizza or sneaking a quick bounce on the bouncy castles, he’s “just doing quality control.” Really, it’s all part of the job.
Building a Strong Community Hub
Robin’s mission is clear: make Par Market a place where everyone—locals, tourists, and traders—feels welcome. He’s bringing laughter, energy, and fresh ideas to his role, from adding fun events to creating a supportive environment for traders and staff. His goal? Make Par Market a memorable part of Cornwall’s culture, a true community hub, and a highlight for visitors.
Next time you’re at Par Market, keep an eye out for Robin!
Cramping his style
Robin Rickard may be Par Market’s “Big Cheese,” but even he’s no match for his infamous, out-of-nowhere leg cramps. These sneak attacks strike at the most random moment. And his staff? They’re always ready. Phones out, cameras poised, everyone on standby to capture his latest “cramp choreography” for posterity (and, let’s be honest, future bribery).
Robin takes it all in stride (when he’s able to stride, that is), laughing off each surprise cramp as he stumbles into an impromptu squat or lunge.
The best thing to have happened at the market in a long, long time. Would have to say Robin is a true gent, wishing him every success in this role!!!!!