Whether you’re looking for handmade soft furnishings, vintage inspired clothing and accessories or just fancy a bit of imported American chocolate, you will find a whole host of unique and beautiful things at Number 26.
The business minds behind the pop-up shop, which is opening today, are Rebecca Jones and Roxanne Nicholls.
Both were situated separately at number 26 Town Road from 2012 with Rebecca’s photography studio on the first floor opening in March and Roxanne’s Charms and Chains jewellery moving to the building in October.
The idea came to the pair after noticing the decline in the current state of the high street in Stoke’s ailing town centre, Hanley. Roxanne said: “A lot of things at the minute have become negative with shops closing down and traders not happy about the new bus route. We want to bring something happy and exciting to town.”
With 1 in 5 shops leaving holes in high streets up and down the country, vacancy rates have soared from 5.4% in December 2008 to 14.1% in March 2013 and The Centre for Retail Research warns that the number could reach 24% in 2018.
Independent shops now seem to be the saviour of the high street, and Number 26, if a success, could be here longer than the two months initially planned, hints Roxanne: “Aha! We have big plans. The pop up shop is the start of Number 26. The building is three stories high and has plenty of empty rooms…all shall be revealed shortly!”
The shop will provide a quirky alternative to the high street, showcasing a variety of local businesses and offering goods made by talented people from across the city.
Fine art graduates, Sarah and Kyle of Pink Flamingo will be bringing their unique range of tie-dyed clothes with other vintage inspired brands including, Ginger Does Vintage and Re-love Vintage.
Other unique goods include jewellery from Red Fox Blue Monkey, Roxannes’ Charms and Chains, Rubber Soul Records, Sweetpeas refurbished furniture, textiles, soaps and confectionery.
Unconnected with the local council, the shop is a great way for local businesses to club together and get their wonderful products noticed.
Rebecca added: “It’s not only exciting for Hanley but it’s also giving start-up and small existing businesses the chance to get their name well known in the town.”
The pop up shop is the first independent outlet to open which is aimed at supporting the retail development of 26 Town Road, and with plans to turn the building into a full-time shopping emporium full of original and fun, local independent businesses, this is a great opportunity for Stoke in helping to bring life back to the city centre.
The shop opens today and will remain open until Saturday July 27th.
