A new scheme in will hopefully see new retailers from neighbouring towns open up in a Swindon ‘pop-up shop’ with a view to staying a little longer if the trial is successful.
Start-up and independent retailers will be offered the chance to trial a shop for a short period under a new scheme launched this week in a partnership between Swindon Borough Council, inSwindon, Forward Swindon and Flashop UK Ltd.
The scheme has been launched to try and overcome one of the barriers to empty shop units being let, the lease.
Often businesses will asked to sign up to a long lease of somewhere between five to 10 years, this at a time when fledgling businesses may not have the confidence to commit to such a term. This new scheme will offer the chance to take out a retail unit for terms as short as a couple of weeks.
Along with the short-term leases on offer, the scheme will also see businesses from neighbouring towns approached about the possibility of expanding to Swindon.
Di Powell, from inSwindon said “The pop-up shop initiative will offer new businesses a perfect opportunity to bring something new to Swindon town centre, before making a long-term commitment.
“This is a great launch pad for entrepreneurs and provides a relatively low-cost way to kick-start a business. Not only will they be able to showcase their brand, but they will also benefit from the high street footfall.”
Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for the economy, regeneration and skills, said: “Swindon town centre is surrounded by major businesses and benefits from high levels of daytime spending from their employees, as well as residents.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone starting a retail business, or wanting to expand, to try out a town centre location without the usual length of lease from day one that can be a real disincentive.”
If you are interested in taking part in the scheme, you can call Neil Wild at Flashop UK on 07801 164034 or email neil@wild-property.co.uk.
