Pop-up shops lift the festive spirit in city
Formerly empty outlets in Bath are being transformed into festive popup shops at weekends.
A unit at 15 New Bond Street is being used as a shop by local craft traders as well as being B&NES council’s letting property hub from Mondays to Thursdays.
The hub provides a way for the council to promote its property portfolio to businesses in Bath, supporting them and driving a project to regenerate the city centre.
Traders are also making use of 15 Cheap Street, a vacant unit where the council opened its High Street Hub in June to support local businesses to thrive as they recover from the effects of the pandemic.
The first two weekends of the “festive shopping experience”, which launched on November 5, saw Slouchy, Planty Kate, Nido Handmade, Bobbi Handmade Children’s Clothes, Scout and Sage Spirits and Kabisa African Creations take over the New Bond Street outlet. There has been high demand with all seven weekends on offer in both pop-up shops booked within two days.
Council leader Kevin Guy said: “Our commercial property hub is a vibrant space where we can make the most of promoting the assets we are fortunate to have in Bath, attracting new business and helping our high streets to thrive.
“The pop-up shops are showcasing these letting opportunities as well as bringing an even richer Christmas shopping experience to residents and visitors in Bath, encouraging more people to shop local.”
The pop-up shops are part of the council’s Vacant Units Action Project to breathe new life into the city centre, supporting local business and encouraging footfall.
The West of England Combined Authority’s high streets recovery scheme provided £245,000 support for the pop-ups.
Products on offer over the coming weeks include jewellery, pet products, candles, clothing, spirits and Christmas decor.
Lisa Doerr, founder of Slouchy, said: “We are delighted to be part of the festivities and opportunities organised by the council. Slouchy is an e-commerce start-up clothing brand and it’s great they support young companies such as ours.”
Kate Hooker of Plantykate, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with women in business and creating a unique pop-up shopping experience at 15 New Bond Street with our brilliant community of makers to share our gorgeous and sustainable creativity.”
Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayor, said: “High streets are the beating heart of our communities, and the combined authority I lead is proud to support this initiative.
“It’s a great way to encourage people to shop local and is sure to spread some festive cheer. It’s going to make Bath an even better place to shop - I’ll be popping down myself when I get round to doing my Christmas shopping!”
The pop-up shops are open Fridays to Sundays from 10am-5pm.
The commercial property hub and the high street hub’s opening hours are 9am-5pm.