Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed up with John Lewis & Partners and The Great British Exchange to provide eight Nottingham businesses the chance to run a pop-up shop in the John Lewis Nottingham store throughout the summer.
The Great British Pop Up is a collaboration between John Lewis & Partners and The Great British Exchange and aims to help British producers and manufacturers sell into more retail locations in the UK and internationally.
Spaces are rented on a weekly basis, and it is a great way for small independent businesses to design, curate and deliver an exciting, experiential version of their brand to promote it further to new customers and increased exposure to boost sales.
To support Nottingham’s independent businesses, all who have premises within the city centre, Nottingham BID has covered the cost of the rent for the pop up to provide local businesses the opportunity to increase brand awareness and generate a larger sales market through a well- established high street name.
Situated in a prominent position on the ground floor of John Lewis & Partners, this unique concession is taking place from 12 July 2021 and over the next three months you can expect to see the following businesses popping up in the store within the Victoria Centre:
The Carousel – who provide a multi-purpose art space in Hockley for Nottingham’s creative community, and they will be showcasing art from local artists.
k.fines jewellery – an independent design led jeweller of semi-precious and precious stones.
Cartwheel Coffee – an independent roaster of coffee beans from around the world.
Stick & Ribbon – an independent ladies clothing boutique.
Olivia Aspinall – a surface design studio based in Sneinton Market who deliver unique surface finishes for a wide range of projects and run workshops.
The Bead Shop – a beading and craft supply shop, who also repair costume jewellery and teach jewellery classes.
Montana – Nottingham’s first ever graffiti shop, serving up all the colours and services you need as a street artist and more.
Crooked Knitwear – offering bespoke knitwear as well as workshops and kits.
Businesses had to apply for a place through The Great British Exchange who then sent applications over to John Lewis & Partners for approval.
Geoff Williams, a Director of Nottingham BID and chair of the BID’s Independent Advisory Group (IAG) commented: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local, independent businesses to be able to set-up shop within John Lewis & Partners Nottingham and we are delighted to be supporting this initiative. It will give independents a chance to benefit from increased exposure, in-store promotion and marketing activity. A successful pop-up shop can open opportunities for sales and build brand’s reach significantly and we wish all the businesses taking part good luck.”
Josie Warfield, Operations Manager, John Lewis & Partners Nottingham said: “We are thrilled to be hosting The Great British Pop up and are really excited to be collaborating with the Nottingham BID on this fantastic scheme. We look forward to welcoming a variety of retailers to our shop over the next few weeks to share new, innovative, and exciting products and experiences with our customers. By opening up opportunities for independent British businesses in John Lewis Nottingham we hope our shoppers will get to enjoy more of what the city has to offer.”
Whilst Katie Freely of k.fines jewellery who is popping-up in the store said of the opportunity: “We’re delighted to have been invited to The Great British Pop Up in the John Lewis & Partners Nottingham store this summer. It is providing us with a great chance for us to showcase our collections to a wider audience and facilitates further exposure of our brand. We’re looking forward to meeting some new future customers and feel incredibly honored to have been selected.”
