Mackem goods prove a big hit
shield during lockdown which means opening the shop, even with social distancing isn’t safe.
Instead, he launched an online shop selling items designed by local artists, as well as HasBean coffee which is produced by an SAFC fan.
It’s proved so popular it’s sold out of stock less than 24 hours after launching, with a second batch already on order.
“I was expecting the Sun’Lun stuff to be the most popular, but it was actually the baby pink Pop Recs tshirt that sold out first,” he explained.
As well as the Stockton Road site, Pop Recs also has a site in High Street West which is being developed to bring more cultural activity to the heart of Sunderland.
“We only received the Government grant for one of the premises and I don’t qualify for the furlough scheme as I’m recently selfemployed, so our income stopped,” Dave explained.
“Pop Recs has always had to adapt, so this is just another way we’ve done that.”
As well as a re-stock of existing items, there’s plans for more designs to be released on the online store.
“I’m chuffed with the response,” Dave said.
“I think when people buy something from us they realise they’re doing something good and that the money all stays in Sunderland.”
You can visit the Pop Recs online store at poprecs.co.uk
It comes as the Sunderland Echo is running our #SupportLocal campaign aimed at promoting the amazing things our local businesses are doing at this difficult time.