Hammerson and Appear Here go Up Market
Hammerson and Appear Here have launched Up Market, an initiative to introduce new and emerging independent retailers to Hammerson’s UK shopping centres.
Up Market, a collection of UK designers and artisans curated by Appear Here, has launched at the Bullring, Birmingham. The initiative will showcase a rotating line-up of the region’s best up-and-coming food, fashion and lifestyle brands.
As part of the three-year agreement, Appear Here will curate commercial mall space in Hammerson’s UK shopping centre portfolio, with four Up Markets planned in the first year, in Brent Cross, London; Cabot Circus, Bristol; and Victoria Quarter, Leeds; as well as the Bullring.
Hammerson and Appear Here have launched Up Market, an initiative to introduce new and emerging independent retailers to Hammerson’s UK shopping centres.
Up Market, a collection of UK designers and artisans curated by Appear Here, has launched at the Bullring, Birmingham. The initiative will showcase a rotating line-up of the region’s best up-and-coming food, fashion and lifestyle brands.
As part of the three-year agreement, Appear Here will curate commercial mall space in Hammerson’s UK shopping centre portfolio, with four Up Markets planned in the first year, in Brent Cross, London; Cabot Circus, Bristol; and Victoria Quarter, Leeds; as well as the Bullring.
Each Up Market will run for a minimum of eight weeks, providing local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with the opportunity to trial new products and concepts on a large-scale. Independent retailers can rent space for as little as £300 per week.
Tom Houlbrooke, director at the Strawberry Stop, which has a market at the Bullring, said: “We saw trading in the Bullring as a huge opportunity to get across our passion for home-grown strawberry products to a huge audience”.
Iain Mitchell, UK commercial director at Hammerson, said: “This initiative will shine a spotlight on the UK’s most exciting and innovative retail talent, providing unknown artisan brands with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with millions of customers on a national scale. Rotating the mix of emerging independents will also ensure that our portfolio continues to offer personalised experiences, enhancing the customer offer.
Ross Bailey, chief executive at Appear Here, said: “Up Market gives young brands a chance to build brand awareness, test their concept and meet local customers face to face in a prime retail destination. It also gives shoppers the chance to discover new brands.”
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