Leeds Corn Exchange kicks off 2019 expansion by welcoming vegan-friendly enterprise

An entrepreneur specialising in cruelty-free fashion and wearable tech is the latest business to join the growing Corn Exchange in Leeds.

Ethical fashion brand Fabrikk joins the shopping centre as Leeds Corn Exchange owner Rushbond PLC plan to welcome several new businesses this year, following its acquisition of the Grade 1 listed building in 2017.

Launched in 2013, Fabrikk will open its first physical store in the historic building later this month following year-on-year growth of its online sales.

Specialising in cruelty-free accessories, Fabrikk’s flagship product is a handbag with an LED-illuminated interior designed to make finding the bag’s contents easier.

Founder of Fabrikk Kate Pearson commented: “The store is an exciting step for me and the Fabrikk team as we put down roots in my home city’s flagship building and settling here will allow us time to build on our growth plans.

“We have spent the past two years driving up and down the country attending numerous shows, events and festivals and it was time to come home and show the people of Leeds what is being produced locally.”

Centre manager for Leeds Corn Exchange, Adam Warner said: “Innovative entrepreneurs like Kate are the ideal tenants for us as we take the Corn Exchange into the modern era and embrace retail with technology and ethically-minded products.”