Local entrepreneurs are getting ready to launch their businesses at a new retail concept in The Shires Shopping Centre, Trowbridge.
Microshops is aimed at fledgling independent retailers who want to rent a high-quality retail “pod” on a flexible and affordable basis and who do not want to commit thousands of pounds on a shop unit.
It opens on July 6, on the ground floor – opposite the Trowbridge Museum entrance – in the former Julian House Charity Shop.
So far nine out of the available 11 pods have been leased by local traders and will comprise: an artisan bakery; wax melts, candles and aromatherapy stall; a seller of bath and body lotions, bath bombs and soaps; a collectibles, figures and hobby unit; computer and mobile phone repairs and accessories; ladies’ fashion and bags; gifts, wedding gifts and personalised goods; garden ornaments and gifts; and a bubble tea and coffee lounge.
There are a further two pods available at a fully inclusive rent of £80 per week and Evolve Estates, which owns and manages The Shires, said they were suitable for craftspeople, artists and designers, as well as retailers.
Natalie Cotton, head of special projects at Evolve Estates, part of MCore, said: “As a group, we’ve launched 6 Microshops up and down the country, helping to springboard many local businesses into permanent shops, because they’ve quickly realised they have a local demand for their products.
“Opening a retail pod also gives them the confidence they need to build a business and grow a community before moving to a bricks and mortar space.
“The beauty of Microshops is that the licences are flexible, so tenants sign up for six months, but can terminate their licence after three, and give us just a month’s notice. We were keen to bring it to The Shires and can hardly wait for it to launch.”
