Independent retailers are being given the chance to open pop-up shops in Swindon town centre – potentially boosting their business and improving the area’s retail mix at the same time.
Swindon’s central shopping area has a higher-than-average number of empty store units while also lacking shops selling artisan goods and gifts, medium to high-end ladies wear, children’s clothes, menswear and toys. 
Under the new scheme, independent retailers will be able to take over vacant units for short periods without the need to commit to long-term leases. They can then find out whether having a permanent outlet suits their business model.
The project is a partnership between Swindon Borough Council, town centre management company inSwindon – which operates Swindon town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID) – regeneration company Forward Swindon and Flashop UK, a firm specialising in opening pop-up stores as a way of reinvigorating town centres.
They are targeting start-up and growing independent retailers along with those that have operated so far at markets, trade fairs or online. Firms selling products not usually found in the town centre will be given priority.
Independent businesses in neighbouring towns will also be approached about expanding to Swindon to improve the centre’s vibrancy. Units will be offered for “a number of weeks”, according to those behind the scheme.
This overcomes the problem that landlords often ask for a long lease, sometimes for five to 10 years, which many businesses do not always feel confident enough to take on without testing the location first.
Out of Swindon town centre’s 467 retail units, 70 are currently empty – a 15% vacancy rate which is higher than the national UK average of 12%.
Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for the economy, regeneration and skills, Cllr Garry Perkins, said: “Swindon town centre is surrounded by major businesses and benefits from high levels of daytime spending from their employees, as well as residents.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone starting a retail business, or wanting to expand, to try out a town centre location without the usual length of lease from day one that can be a real disincentive.”
inSwindon BID manager Di Powell added: “The pop-up shop initiative will offer new businesses a perfect opportunity to bring something new to Swindon town centre, before making a long-term commitment.
“This is a great launch pad for entrepreneurs and provides a relatively low-cost way to kick-start a business. Not only will they be able to showcase their brand, but they will also benefit from the high street footfall.”
Business owners interested in the scheme, and landlords who would like their vacant units to be part of the project, should contact Neil Wild at Flashop UK at neil@wild-property.co.uk, or phone 07801 164034.
