Shop pops up – just for the week

A NEW shop opened up in Macclesfield this week - but not for long.

A group of craftspeople got the chance to trade on the high street by opening up a pop-up store in the Grosvenor Centre.

Five traders got together to open up the shop ‘Five’ from Monday, August 8 for a week.

They are selling jewellery, ceramics, candles and macrame from the unit in the Grosvenor Centre, on Mill Street.

Jenny Drew, from Little Jen Jewellery, is one of the traders.

She said: “I’ve been making jewellery for about 13 years and I’ve always really wanted to have my own shop.

“Obviously, prices are very high for rental shops by yourself. So this was a perfect opportunity really and, obviously, between five businesses it makes it even more affordable and it gets everybody’s names out there.

“I guess it’s also trying to help people realise the joy of buying from small businesses and handmade because they’ll be able to meet all the makers because we’ll all be there at various points, and it’s nice to be able to put a face behind the product.”

The others who have clubbed together to make the pop-up shop are Knotting Special who produce macrame and knotted items, Aglaea Jewels, Laura Jane Ceramics and Candle Makers Cutch Company.

Keira McLaughlin, from letting agents Baker Proudlove, said: “The pop-up shop is pretty much a flexible space.

“It is pretty much a fully fitted shop - and they can go in and just trade.

“Someone will take on the space and they can have it for anywhere from one to six weeks because we’ve identified a great way for businesses to test the high street.

“They can see how their products will perform in the location.”