St David’s, Wales’ leading shopping and leisure destination, is giving local retailers the opportunity to win a shop space in the centre throughout the Christmas trading period.
The winning retailer will not only have access to a unit until January 2016 free of charge, but will also be given bespoke, expert support from St David’s – from management and marketing to profile building and customer service.
Pop-up shops have had great success at the centre, with over 30 local pop ups taking advantage of the 40 million annual footfall, since opening in 2009. Some of the most popular stores include local businesses Bonnie & Pearl, Droneboy and Eve Victoria Candles; all of which have now made their mark with Welsh shoppers.
St David’s is accepting applications from businesses for this initiative until October 16. Those shortlisted will be invited to present their proposals to a panel of Cardiff retail experts, who will choose the successful business.
Steven Madeley, General Manager for St David’s, commented: “Since St David’s opened its doors in 2009, we have supported many local brands and businesses by offering pop-up shops during key trading periods. Christmas at St David’s is one of the busiest retail periods in the UK; last Boxing Day we welcomed nearly 150,000 people in one day alone.
“We’re thrilled to be launching the pop-up initiative this year. The support we can offer will ensure the successful retailer will enjoy a great Christmas at the centre. If you have a unique brand and offer that our shoppers will love, we want to hear from you.”
One of the biggest pop-up success stories at St David’s is doll brand Bonnie & Pearl. Set up by Newport mums Nicola Evans and Lisa Pearce-Bridgeman, it first in St David’s two years ago, but has since returned to the centre to trade during other times of the year.
Nicola commented: “Launching Bonnie and Pearl with our pop up shop in St David’s has catapulted our brand, resulting in three Retail awards whilst attracting high footfall. St David’s is a fantastic location and we’ll be popping up again very soon”
Those interested in applying are invited to download an application formfrom the St David’s website and return by October 16. The successful retailer must be able to dress and operate the unit sufficiently from November 2015 until January 2016 – exact timings are flexible within this period.
Businesses can apply via the website: http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/Offers-and-Whats-Hot/Latest-News/Local-businesses-could-win-a-free-temporary-unit-at-St-Davids
