Just south of the gate from the Black Citadel into Plains of Ashford, there were once a set of Black Lion traders at these stalls. Those were removed, presumably for being no more confusing to new players than the ones they’ll find in the city itself.
However, some things were not removed. Charr NPCs stare silently over the stalls at the bare walls beyond, while the traders’ former assistants, apparently having long since gone mad, stand to the side repeating the lines they once spoke to their employers.
Also some of them have changed sex, but haven’t yet learned to sound female. Not sure if that is related to their current predicament.