Share 'What happened to the Crouch End onion seller?'

Does anyone know what happened to the onion seller that used to pitch up selling onions and garlic outside Budgens in Crouch End every once in a while?  Was he part of a promotion for the French wine sellers Nicolas or just a random onion seller?  Also, do those little stalls selling books still appear from time to time or have they been seen off? I don't remember seeing anything for ages.  Just…