Organiser Greg Hoskins said he was pleased the Market on the Reserve had finally begun yesterday, but had faced a shortage of stalls, poor weather and lack of customers.
It was hoped the market, held at Dunedin's Market Reserve, would begin with about 40 stallholders, but a delay in being issued with their trading licences resulted in only 12 stallholders at the opening yesterday.
"We have had some teething problems."
Mr Hoskins said he was hoping to have the rest of the stallholders at the next market on Boxing Day.
"The next couple of markets will definitely get bigger," he said.
Several stallholders, who were not under cover, were caught out by strong winds and the occasional rain shower.
Fellow organiser Gareth Davies, said lack of customers coupled with the poor weather caused the market to be "done and dusted" an hour earlier than planned.
Dan Harman, of Bungy Tramp, said he had travelled from Cromwell for the market but decided to pack up at midday due to the lack of customers.
"The reality is there are no kids here.
But we will be back and try our luck again."
The market, opened by Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, featured mainly arts, crafts and food stalls, and is expected to operate each Sunday between 10am and 3pm.
