Gifts for sale at pop-up shops
CHRISTMAS shopping is well under way at pop-up shops in Carmarthen and Llanelli.
Local independent businesses have been given free retail space to sell their products in the heart of the two town centres at the busiest trading time of the year. Carmarthenshire Council has secured temporary use of No.1 Stepney Street, Llanelli as well as the former Debenhams store at St Catherine’s Walk in Carmarthen. It is all part of the authority’s 100% Sir Gar campaign. Businesses selling handmade gifts and crafts, food and drinks, jewellery, clothing, homeware and more have taken advantage of the free retail space and trading has already been busy since they opened on December 1.
It is the second time the council has created pop-up shops to offer opportunities to local producers and traders following the launch of 100% Sir Gar.
The initiative started as a virtual shop window on the council’s Discover
Carmarthenshire website last year as a way of supporting local businesses to recover from a long period of lockdown and restrictions on retail.
Carmarthenshire Council leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole, said supporting local businesses was key to reviving and strengthening Carmarthenshire’s economy following the pandemic.
“We’re really pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to small local businesses,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to call in to both pop-up shops and see the range of products and gifts for sale.
“What is rewarding is seeing the difference this opportunity makes to a small businesses and I hope that people will come out and support them.
“Every purchase made is money in the pockets and tills of local people, and I know how much they appreciate it.”
The 100% Sir Gar pop-up shop at No. 1 Stepney Street, Llanelli, is open as follows:
December 1-18: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 10am-4pm; Saturdays 10am-3pm
December 21-23: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am4pm