A brand new ‘pop-up shop’ is set to give small businesses a chance to shine in Wallsend.
North Tyneside Council’s Business Factory has taken on a retail unit in the Forum Shopping Centre, in Wallsend, giving small businesses and start-ups an opportunity to operate in a retail space, on a short-term let, fully funded.
From Saturday 2 November, and over the next six months, the unit will play host to pre-starts and existing businesses from across North Tyneside who have taken part in markets or online trading, and would like to test the market for their products before deciding to take on a full retail tenancy.
The first business is set to take the keys to the unit and operate for the weekend on Saturday 2 November.
Glowkiz, a natural skincare brand dedicated to crafting premium luxury products using only the finest natural ingredients, will be taking on the mantle of the shop for the first weekend.
They will then be closely followed by Studio GOOOS from Monday 4 to Friday 8 November, their ducks (which they call team ducks) help Gen-Z & Millennials going through stressful periods instantly boost their mood and smile. They will be bringing to Wallsend their adorably huggable plush toys, feel-good apparel, and soothing accessories.
Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “As a Council, we are always committed to supporting businesses and doing everything we can to put them in a position to be successful.
“This pop-up shop is a fantastic opportunity for a business to get a taste of what it would be like to own a retail unit of their own. They can gain valuable experience, see what works for them and what doesn’t, before making what is a massive step for any business.”
Expressions of interest were sought for businesses to operate from the unit earlier this year and interested businesses were offered seven or 14 day tenancies dependent on the type of business, stock levels and other commitments.
Businesses were offered support through workshops delivered by industry experts, in partnership with the Business and Intellectual Property Centre.
This pop-up shop is funded by the Town and High Streets Innovation Programme through the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is now administered by the North East Combined Authority.
Further information on the pop-up shop and opportunities available from January to March, as well as support for businesses, can be found on the Business Factory’s website, or by emailing info@businessfactorynt.co.uk.