A local West Sussex artist and designer is set to become Chichester’s newest ‘pop up shop’ as part of a popular scheme run by Chichester District Council.
Mandy McKenna has moved her thriving online business; Mandy McKenna Designs, into one of the district council’s pop up shops in Crane Street, Chichester, and will be welcoming customers between 30 May and 29 July 2021.
Like many who have taken advantage of the council’s Pop Up Shop initiative, Mandy is looking to test the market and get experience of being on the high street.
Mandy says: “I am so looking forward to adding my ‘Taste of Colourful Art’ shop to Chichester and meeting local residents, adding my passion for floral art in a variety of mediums. People can visit my website, to find out more about my business and for a list of COVID-safe pottery and design sessions which I will be running in my pop up shop until July 29. In the shop I have my full range of pottery and artwork for sale. I am at my happiest when I have a paintbrush in my hand!”
The Pop Up Shop initiative was launched in January 2020 to help support small and start-up businesses in the Chichester District. Using premises owned by the council, the scheme offers affordable temporary spaces for smaller enterprises. This gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to trial business concepts and trade in a high street location without the commitment or cost of a longer-term lease.
Victoria McKay, Divisional Manager for Property and Growth at Chichester District Council, said: “Pop up shops offer an excellent opportunity for local entrepreneurs to grow their business and talents in the historic streets of Chichester. Despite the pandemic, a wide range of businesses have been starting up in the district, which is really positive and demonstrates confidence in the local economy. Equally, we’ve been delighted to see so many people in the district who are keen to shop local, spend local and support their local businesses.”
Businesses that have already tested the water as part of the council’s Pop Up Shop initiative include a baby equipment and clothing retailer, art galleries and an ice cream parlor.
Pop up shops offer a range of benefits and the council’s scheme aims to:
- provide affordable retail space for independent and start-up businesses;
- draw in new customers and trade;
- enhance the appearance of retail areas;
- encourage the public to shop local, spend local, support local, during the pandemic; and
- help meet the aims of the Chichester Vision by improving choice and offering more opportunities for independent shops.
By following Government guidance, visitors to the high street can remain safe and support the new pop up shops.
Victoria McKay, Divisional Manager for Property and Growth at Chichester District Council, adds: “I would really encourage people to visit our fantastic high streets in Chichester, East Wittering, Midhurst, Petworth and Selsey, to see the variety of shops on offer and to support our local businesses. We encourage people to help keep themselves and others safe by following current Government coronavirus guidance.”
People can find out more about the Pop Up Shop initiative by visiting: www.chichester.gov.uk/businesssupportandadvice. There will be another opportunity for small and start up enterprises to apply for the scheme later this year. The council is encouraging people to support local businesses across the district as part of the support local scheme. People can find out more on our website: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal
