Vintage Dolls has become the first Pop-Up Shop in Rotherham town centre, opening today in the refurbished Imperial Buildings and adding to the town's niche and independent retail offer.
The store specialises in vintage jewellery, clothing and furniture and has taken advantage of a scheme that enables new start businesses to test the market and their business ideas without the risk normally associated with new enterprises.
Vintage Dolls has initially been offered a three month licence for the unit with the option to occupy the shop for up to one year if successful. Rental discounts, help with fitting out and free business support and retail training form part of the package available.
Led by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, the scheme is being funded by central government as part of a grant received following the announcement last year that Rotherham was successful in becoming a "Portas Pilot" town.
The Vintage Dolls are Louise Griffiths, Jessica Donovan and Debbie Stevens, three friends who originally met through their day jobs having previously worked at Mamas & Papas, plus Viv the mannequin. They won the competition to secure the much sought after unit by impressing the council's Town Centre team with their solid business plan and enthusiasm.
Louise Griffiths, co-owner of Vintage Dolls, said: "The Mary Portas Pop-up Shop has given us an unbelievably amazing opportunity to showcase our dreams and launch our small business in what can be for many a very daunting prospect in today's economic climate.
"Within 24 hours we found ourselves pitching our ideas to Rotherham Council in a bid to showcase our dreams, they recognised our enthusiasm, passion and drive and were unanimous in their decision.
"We feel very honoured to be chosen to be a part of such fantastic project and very grateful for all the support we have received."
The business moves into the Imperial Buildings at an exciting time. Already an arts and crafts hub with independent boutiques, a café and hairdressers, the Whistlestop Sweet Shop and Temperance Bar has recently expanded and the Bittersweet Boutique has also recently moved in.
Louise explained what the newest addition will bring: "Vintage Dolls works on the unique concept of appreciating the little things in life.
"We source items such as jewellery, furniture, homeware, clothing and gifts from times gone by, to bring into modern day to be cherished for years to come, giving old items the new lease of life."
Vintage Dolls facebook page
Rotherham town centre website
Images: RMBC / Vintage Dolls / twitter
The store specialises in vintage jewellery, clothing and furniture and has taken advantage of a scheme that enables new start businesses to test the market and their business ideas without the risk normally associated with new enterprises.
Vintage Dolls has initially been offered a three month licence for the unit with the option to occupy the shop for up to one year if successful. Rental discounts, help with fitting out and free business support and retail training form part of the package available.
Led by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, the scheme is being funded by central government as part of a grant received following the announcement last year that Rotherham was successful in becoming a "Portas Pilot" town.
Louise Griffiths, co-owner of Vintage Dolls, said: "The Mary Portas Pop-up Shop has given us an unbelievably amazing opportunity to showcase our dreams and launch our small business in what can be for many a very daunting prospect in today's economic climate.
"Within 24 hours we found ourselves pitching our ideas to Rotherham Council in a bid to showcase our dreams, they recognised our enthusiasm, passion and drive and were unanimous in their decision.
"We feel very honoured to be chosen to be a part of such fantastic project and very grateful for all the support we have received."
The business moves into the Imperial Buildings at an exciting time. Already an arts and crafts hub with independent boutiques, a café and hairdressers, the Whistlestop Sweet Shop and Temperance Bar has recently expanded and the Bittersweet Boutique has also recently moved in.
Louise explained what the newest addition will bring: "Vintage Dolls works on the unique concept of appreciating the little things in life.
"We source items such as jewellery, furniture, homeware, clothing and gifts from times gone by, to bring into modern day to be cherished for years to come, giving old items the new lease of life."
Vintage Dolls facebook page
Rotherham town centre website
Images: RMBC / Vintage Dolls / twitter
Just been to the shops very nice is there a room at the side i noticed tablesw a.d dishes x
ReplyDeleteI think the unit next door is the new space for the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop to start running sweet making courses from. Should be good.
ReplyDelete