Member Article

The Wellington Centre Microshops for start-up retailers opens

A new retail concept, aimed at attracting fledgling retailers, is officially opening in Aldershot this week – and it is already fully let.

Microshops, which is located next to Lidl in The Wellington Centre, is a high-quality retail environment with affordable work and retail space for independent traders, designers, artists and start ups.

LCP, the national commercial property and investment company behind the concept and which owns and manages the centre, has billed Microshops as an exciting retail opportunity for retailers who want to try their first bricks and mortar selling space.

Each retail pod, which is let on an affordable, all-inclusive, flexible monthly contract, is also suitable for artists, craftspeople and designers.

The Wellington Centre Microshops has 15 retail pods all of which have been taken by ambitious local retailers, looking to build business on their doorstep. Retailers include a Jamaican hair supplies store, an art gallery, vintage clothing, children’s play area, and a furniture store.

An official launch event takes place this Thursday, September 23, starting at 10am, will include special offers, an entertainer and free tea and coffee, supplied by the nearby Wimpy.

Moshin Raza, of Raza London, a multi-designer clothing brand, said he was excited to open at The Wellington Centre.

“The brand aims to provide aesthetically attractive t-shirts for men and women with mind awakening thoughtful messages,” he said.

Jess Kemp, of Jessie’s Kitchy Bits vintage clothing and C&J’s Play Corner, added: “This is such a great opportunity for small businesses to showcase and sell their products and bring back some community spirit to Aldershot town.”

Lisa McAlinden, property manager at LCP, said: “We’re excited to be opening our newest Microshops at The Wellington centre and have been overwhelmed by the support from local traders who are keen to launch their own business.

“These are quality spaces that enable would-be entrepreneurs or start-up retailers to test their business by moving into a shop unit without committing thousands of pounds to it.

“It’s a great place for local, independent traders to try out their business and we’re looking forward to welcoming shoppers to The Wellington Centre.”

LCP has launched Microshops in a number of locations it owns and manages. They can be found at: Pavilion Shopping Centre, Thornaby-on-Tees; The Centre, Margate; The East Gate Centre, Ipswich; and The Hardshaw Centre, St Helens; Govan Cross Shopping Centre, Govan Cross; Penicuik Shopping Centre, Penicuik; and Airdrie Retail Park, Airdrie.

All of the Microshops occupy vacated larger stores in LCP’s retail centres and have been carefully fitted out to create a modern and fun environment where occupiers can brand their own space.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kate Cooke .