A community initiative, which promotes local artisans and small businesses, is opening its first Creative Department Store in Staffordshire.
Keep It Local is launching the innovative retail space on October 1 at The Potteries Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. It will offer a venue for 200 makers and creators to showcase their work.
The store, which will be based in the unit that previously housed Next on the first floor of the shopping centre, will also see the creation of 10 temporary jobs.
It will be run by husband-and-wife team Andy and Laura Nixon with the support of their son, Harry, and Head of Creative Engagement Hollie Jones.
The initiative has received significant backing from key partners, including JAGG Designs, who have crafted the store’s design and merchandising, and Castle Artisan Events, who will be hosting a series of engaging in-store events.
Additionally, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID has provided vital support, sponsoring a press launch and hosting seasonal workshops in the lead-up to Halloween and Christmas, to further enrich the store’s offerings.
The venue builds on the continuing success of Keep It Local.
Since the first pop-up shop launched in November 2022, creative community champions Andy and Laura along with the rest of the Keep It Local team have expanded to permanent retail locations in the Longton Exchange and Lancaster Buildings in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
“This is more than just a pop-up store,” said Andy. “We are creating a space that celebrates the creativity and spirit of Stoke-on-Trent. Our goal is to bring the magic of Christmas back to our city and offer a shopping experience that the community can truly be proud of.”
Richard Buxton, Director of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, said: “We’re thrilled to be a part of Keep It Local’s new venture. This department store is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of what our creative community has to offer, and it’s initiatives like this that really make a difference in revitalising our high streets.”
Potteries Centre Manager Amy Whittaker said: “We’re excited to welcome Keep it Local, the first-ever creative department store, to The Potteries Centre.
“It comes at a perfect time of the year with the festive season approaching and we are confident that this new addition will be a great success.”
The Creative Department Store will remain open until Christmas Eve. Shoppers can explore a wide array of handmade clothing, home fragrance, jewellery, stationery, homeware, artwork, retro gaming, vintage clothing, and the uniquely local Stokie giftware along with artisans from further afield.
There will also be themed events and workshops each week.
