Two shops in Newport High Street have been officially opened by Cllr Julie Jones-Evans for safe shopping with local artisans and traders.
The shops are at 33 High Street and 64 High Street.
What to expect
The seasonal venues will be open until 23rd December for shoppers to explore goods including festive decorations, art, garden ornaments and keepsakes, fudge, cushions and festive jewellery, all from local providers and with the majority made on the Island.
One pop-up shop is opposite Hong Kong Express. and the other is further up the High Street in the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill building.
Supporting the pop-ups
Support for the Newport pop-up shops has come through the Shaping Newport partnership, a joint project of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, the Isle of Wight Council and Newport Business Association.
Jones-Evans: You won’t be waiting for deliveries
Julie Jones-Evans, councillor for Newport Central, who officially opened the shops on 7th December, said,
“Now’s the time to get out and do your Christmas shopping locally – and you won’t be waiting for deliveries!
“I am delighted to see such enthusiasm from artisans and businesses coming forward to set up in Newport High Street.
“This is a brilliant initiative on so many levels, bringing more choice to Christmas shopping, reusing empty shops and supporting local businesses that are just setting up, or getting ready to expand.
“The pop-up shop at 64 High Street is thanks to Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council who have just bought the shop as part of their commitment to reviving the town centre.
“Along with our Shaping Newport partners we’re investing in the future of the High Street – and I hope that a taste of retail might lead some of our vendors to take the next step and set up their own shop!
“The two High Street venues we’ve used are spacious inside, so they will allow shoppers to be socially distanced and shop safely too.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
