New independent traders’ gallery to open in Shrewsbury’s Darwin Centre today
A new specially-created shopping gallery for independent traders is set to open in Shrewsbury’s Darwin Shopping Centre today (Monday 7 December 2020).
Called The Collective, the space will house up to 10 independent businesses, with eight opening this week. It’s located on the ground floor of the Darwin Centre, in the former QVC unit.
Traders set to open in their new premises today are Sidney’s Café, Jennico, Val B’s Wax Jewellery, Heavenly Brides, Beauty & Nails Inbox, Tubeway Records, DVD Megastore, and Irehab.
All have relocated from the Pride Hill Shopping Centre as part of plans to establish the Darwin Centre as Shrewsbury’s main retail centre, and with the Pride Hill Centre set to be redeveloped.
Esteban Bridges at DVD Megastore in The Collective
The independent traders within The Collective will benefit from higher, regular, footfall in the Darwin Centre, and will be able to trade alongside other established brands.
The new gallery will also form a destination in Shrewsbury for people looking for something unique, local and special.
Kevin Lockwood, Shrewsbury Shopping Centres manager, said:
“Our vision is for the Darwin Centre’s retail mix to evolve into more of a community-led shopping centre with more regional and independent stores, whilst retaining some popular national brands.
“We’re really excited about The Collective, which will offer a unique destination for independent businesses. With lockdown ending and Christmas on the horizon, we encourage people to come and see it for themselves. They will be able to shop safely and support some fantastic local independent traders.”
Estaban Bridges from DVD Megastore, said:
“I’m really looking forward to opening our new unit in The Collective, alongside so many other brilliant independent traders, and to welcoming customers old and new.
“This year hasn’t been an easy one for retailers but this is an opportunity for a fresh start, and a chance to create a real community of independent local stores. It’ll be great to see people back in the town, in the shopping centres and in The Collective in the run up to Christmas.”
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for assets, economic growth and regeneration, said:
“Shrewsbury has a wonderful history of independent and small business success and the council is building on this foundation within the Darwin Centre by relocating a number of independent businesses from the Pride Hill Centre to The Collective.
“There is an increasing desire to support UK, regional and local businesses and we’re responding to this trend and helping small independent shops trade in the Darwin Centre by offering affordable and flexible terms in this new, attractive and well-designed space.”
For more information visit www.shrewsbury-shopping.co.uk.
Further information
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Facebook: @shrewsburyshopping
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