Stockport Pop Up continues to provide space for independents to test the high street in Merseyway

Merseyway Shopping Centre is continuing to host the to the Stockport Pop Up through Summer 2023, an initiative that helps local independent businesses test the high street in an affordable and flexible way.

The initiative has been specially designed to provide local businesses with the opportunity to test out physical retail before considering committing to a space permanently. The space also offers the opportunity to showcase a business’s diverse product range to customers visiting Merseyway Shopping Centre. By offering a rotating selection, the space also provides a unique shopping experience for consumers too.

Retail Consultants, Barker Proudlove, manage the marketing and bookings of the space. During the first part of 2023, there will be a whole range of local businesses coming to the centre, each bringing a diverse product range to the local customers of Stockport.

Recent host Steve from Love Bling Accessories had this to say about their time in store:

“My experience in Stockport Pop Up was great, it gave my small business an opportunity to operate on the high street. It was simply the best retail experience.”

Jessica Swain, from Barker Proudlove, has worked on the pop up since its opening back in 2021 and seen the space grow in popularity. She said:

“The pop up shop is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses. We want to provide an opportunity to test the high street before considering committing permanently. The initiative has been a huge success and already we have seen a couple of previous hosts open permanent shops here in Stockport.”

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager of Merseyway Shopping Centre said:

“Here at Merseyway, we are dedicated to championing local businesses and independents and the Stockport Pop Up has allowed us to do just that. It has been fantastic to see so many small businesses
build their brands and gain new custom from this initiative, with some even opening permanent units within our centre! From fashion retailers and sustainable brands, to homeware stores, local artists and pet shops – we’ve had a variety of local independents taking advantage of this incredible concept and using the service provided from this unit.”

The Stockport Pop Up is situated next door to Waterstones and can be rented at an all-inclusive weekly cost of £275 (ex vat). This price includes rent, bills, business rates, service charge, basic furnishings and even social media promotion on the bespoke Stockport Pop Up page.