New independent DVD and book store to open in Shrewsbury’s Darwin centre
Local independent stores DVD Megastore and Buttercup Bookshop are expanding into a new standalone store on the mid-level of The Darwin shopping centre in Shrewsbury, opening on Saturday 3 December [2022].
The two shops are currently based in two separate units in The Collective independent traders’ gallery, on The Darwin’s lower level.
DVD Megastore and Buttercup Bookshop will now operate side-by-side, in a prominent location that is double the square footage they currently have available in their units in The Collective.
Esteban Bridges inside the current DVD Megastore unit
Estaban Bridges owner of DVD Megastore and Buttercup Bookshop, says having a physical store is important, as he can engage with customers and develop lifelong relationships with them.
He adds:
“I am over the moon about the relocation of both of my stores. Being located where I am, next to iconic national brands like M&S and Primark, is truly humbling and an ambition I’ve had since I started in this industry. The management team have always been so supportive of me – when we had to move shop location from Pride Hill they were very enthusiastic about the creation of The Collective, which is a wonderful incubator space for businesses. There’s no doubt that being in The Collective has enabled our growth to continue, resulting in us now having our own standalone store within the centre.”
Estaban says that the stores’ staff are incredibly knowledgeable about all genres of film, books and gaming, and love receiving reviews and feedback on items purchased.
He also says that he is particularly happy about the return of HMV to The Darwin centre, as the brand’s offer completely complements DVD Megastore.
In his new store Estaban will be launching the Aspirations Initiative that uses funds gathered from donated items to cover the cost of business management diplomas, to support young people wanting to create their own small businesses. This will complement the successful Buttercup Bookshop Free Book Initiative, which will also continue.
The Darwin is celebrated for having a vast independent offer, which sits seamlessly alongside well-known national brands. This has helped establish the centre as Shrewsbury’s premier covered shopping destination.
Kevin Lockwood, manager of The Darwin centre, says:
“It is incredible what Estaban has achieved in such a short period of time. He is an exceptional retailer and has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve. He also has an incredibly loyal customer base and I know they will be thrilled when they see his new premises. We are particularly proud of the mix of tenants we have at The Darwin and will continue to support our independent and national retailers with their ambitions as much as we can. We wish Estaban the very best in his new location and are sure he will continue to grow and develop his business with this expansion.”
The Darwin champions local, independent brands and has helped independent businesses open their first permanent bricks and mortar stores by offering them affordable and flexible leasing terms.
The Collective has become a prominent destination in Shrewsbury for people looking for something unique, local and special. The space – which was formerly home to QVC – can house up to 11 independent businesses. Anyone interested in having a space in The Collective, is asked to email info@shrewsbury-shopping.co.uk.
