The Pop-Up Club is bringing its innovative retail model to Manchester as it returns to the city to bring small businesses and independent traders to shoppers this Christmas.
The Pop-Up Club has previously opened up stores before in the city including on the prestigious King Street, but this time it’s taking up residence in Manchester’s Arndale. Sitting next to prominent retailers such as the Apple Store and high end retailers such as River Island, Next and Monki, The Pop-Up Club offers shoppers the opportunity to buy from small and independent traders this Christmas.
Opening from Saturday 16th November, the Manchester store will be open from 10am until 7pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Shoppers will be able to choose from the carefully curated traders on offer including independent retailers such as beautifully handpainted watercolour illustrations from By Tilly, celestial and nature inspired jewellery by Sian Mellor designs and beaded bracelets from That Wild Feeling. It’s also helping to promote local talent as it shares the work of Manchester based unique printed homewares from Lydia Meiying.
In previous years The Pop-Up Club has provided a platform for small retailers and traders, helping them earn more than £1.5m across previous years by offering them a bricks and mortar opportunity to sell and meet customers on the high street. This year it’s supporting small businesses and retailers in seven locations across the UK including Leeds Trinity, London’s Hammersmith, Waterloo, One New Change and Wandsworth and back to its roots in Chelmsford.
Founder Tillie Peel said: “Manchester has always welcomed us with open arms, and the friendly Northern spirit was calling us back once again. Utilising an empty space at the Manchester Arndale is a dream come true for us, as it puts us at the heart of shopping in the city and with events such as the Christmas Markets returning, the footfall of the city centre will be highly welcomed by us and all our traders in our Manchester store.
“With over 5 million small businesses in the UK*, there are so many that deserve attention and shopping small can bring huge benefits to the economy as well as supporting local income. This Christmas is the perfect time to shop from small businesses and independent traders, where a purchase can make a real difference to that brand. Our network of independent businesses have found being in our stores offers real value, as well as allowing them to speak to customers, see the reactions in real time to their items and to get a taste of what the high street has to offer.”
Sian Mellor, founder of jewellery brand Sian Mellor Designs, explained what The Pop-Up Club means to her business. She said: “I chose to team up with The Pop-Up Club because it puts small businesses at the heart of major cities; something many small businesses wouldn’t be able to do on their own.
“Through collaboration great things can be achieved and help raise awareness of the importance of shopping local and helping the local economy and the pop up club really do this with their fantastic stores.”
Quirky home print business Moonshine Prints added: “We’re so happy to be a part of The Pop Up Club this festive season!
“As an online, northern based business, the prospect of having our Wall Prints & Greeting Cards available to shop in a beautifully curated store, in such a busy, reputable Manchester location excited us massively! It’s the perfect ‘online to high-street’ transition we’ve been looking for!”
Tilly of By Tilly, a hand drawn illustrator, has also joined The Pop-Up Club as she said: “”I chose to team up with The Pop-Up Club because their mission to support and uplift small businesses aligns perfectly with my values.
“Being part of The Pop-Up Club community has been a game changer for my small business, not just in terms of sales, but also in the incredible reach and exposure I’ve gained, especially in locations I would have otherwise not had access to.
“Their commitment to showcasing unique products in vibrant, accessible spaces gives small businesses like mine the opportunity to flourish and reach new audiences, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”
