Steady start for independents in new shopping gallery
Traders have enjoyed a steady start after moving to a new gallery for independent shops.
Eight businesses opened up at The Collective in the old QVC shop in Shrewsbury's Darwin Shopping Centre.
The traders moved from the Pride Hill centre as part of Shropshire Council's plans to make the Darwin the main shopping mall. Pride Hill will be redeveloped, with a cinema mooted as something that could go there in the future.
There had been backlash from some business owners who did not want to move, but those who have started in the new gallery are pleased so far.
Estaban Bridges from DVD Megastore, said: “This year hasn’t been an easy one for retailers but this is an opportunity for a fresh start, and a chance to create a real community of independent local stores. It’ll be great to see people back in the town, in the shopping centres and in The Collective in the run up to Christmas.”
Other traders that have opened in their new premises this week are Sidney’s Café, Jennico, Val B’s Wax Jewellery, Heavenly Brides, Beauty & Nails Inbox, Tubeway Records, and Irehab.
There are two more spaces for businesses at the gallery, which is on the ground floor of the Darwin Centre.
