A new pop-up in Derry's Foyleside Shopping Centre has provided a new hub for 10 local businesses to trade.
The businesses are an eclectic range of clothing, skincare, accessories and gifts. They each stand out from each other, and yet blend incredibly well together.
RE:IMAGINE was born from a collaboration between the Fashion and Textile Design Centre who are supported by the Inner City Trust, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Foyleside Shopping centre.
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The hub, designed and fitted by Sarah McNabb, will be open 7 days a week for the next four months during normal Foyleside opening hours.
Businesses within the space went through a 'Dragon's Den' audition-type process and worked hard for their chance to trade in the heart of the city centre.
Each business has its own story to tell, and no two are the same.
Within the pop-up space the fantastic local businesses include companies such as Amach, Coalesce Wearable Art, Connie Ann, In_Chlomo, Celtic Irish Art, Koto Candles, Oh Sew Design Co., Piece Makers, SO 27 Skincare and VS Mend & Make Do.
Some of the businesses came about during lockdown, such as Coalesce Wearable Art, as creator Niall used his creativity as a tattoo artist unable to work during lockdown to create stunning wearable artwork.
Another unique creation of a business came from In_Chlomo, built from the ideas of a mother of twins who wanted comfortable but trendy athleisurewear suitable for mum and baby alike.
The business owners are incredibly helpful and friendly. Many of the gift and self care businesses have the perfect mother's day gift boxes available.
Piece Makers, who specialise in lasered crafted pieces have an eclectic mix of incredibly creative pieces. Family trees, skylines of the city and even personalised designs can be bought here, with customer requests welcomed.
Vintage Star, Oh Sew Design Co and Connie Ann bring the importance of sustainable and slow fashion, with incredible handmade and vintage items for sale.
This innovative space allows us to see the impact that using out high street has on local businesses. While a lot of trading is now done online, having a base in the main hub of the city centre has a huge impact on these businesses.
This initiative allows the best of supporting local business to flourish, with shoppers purposely stopping to see what unique items they can find.
Having a hub for local businesses to network and sell paves the way for more initiatives to give small businesses a much-needed helping hand.
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