Cadbury descendant among entrepreneurs taking empty London candy shops
A year after Westminster City Council and the New West End Company offered up-and-coming businesses the chance to open their first physical store on and around London’s Oxford Street rent-free for six months, the first four brands are moving in.
Under the Meanwhile On scheme, companies will be awarded prominent shop spaces using both vacant spaces and those formerly occupied by low-quality businesses such as American candy shops.
James Cadbury, the great-great-great-grandson of the Cadbury founder, is among the first new arrivals to set up their store. His Love Cocoa is a sustainable luxury chocolate brand that he built independent of his family.
A year after Westminster City Council and the New West End Company offered up-and-coming businesses the chance to open their first physical store on and around London’s Oxford Street rent-free for six months, the first four brands are moving in.
Under the Meanwhile On scheme, companies will be awarded prominent shop spaces using both vacant spaces and those formerly occupied by low-quality businesses such as American candy shops.
James Cadbury, the great-great-great-grandson of the Cadbury founder, is among the first new arrivals to set up their store. His Love Cocoa is a sustainable luxury chocolate brand that he built independent of his family.
Canvvs is a custom sneaker brand that will also now open its store on Oxford Street. The brand has been worn by celebrities such as Ed Sheeran and the England football team.
Another new arrival is luxury Irish linen brand Kindred, which is opening its store on nearby South Molton Street, followed by Hades, a British knitwear label.
Westminster councillor Geoff Barraclough said: “We set up our Meanwhile On initiative in a bid to tackle the number of vacant stores and poor-quality offerings. With a huge number of excellent businesses applying, I’m delighted these first brands are kicking off the project – showcasing innovation, quality, creativity and sustainability.”
He added: “By supporting these new small businesses with reduced rent and business rates and promotional and operational support – in the heart of London’s West End – we hope this provides them with a platform for growth and contributes to the diversification and rejuvenation of our high streets, especially Oxford Street.”
Images from Westminster City Council
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