A hub selling products from independent makers, bakers and creators has reopened in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre.
Keep It Local’s creative department store in Hanley welcomed 330,000 visitors through its doors supporting 212 local businesses and charities between 1 October and 24 December last year.
The initiative returned £136,000 directly back into the hands of small businesses, while also raising over £3,000 for Greyhound Gap and £2,500 for the Royal Stoke Cancer Centre.
Daily Focus reported last month that it was going to move to a new permanent home this month.
But co-founders Andy and Laura have now signed an agreement to keep it in its original base, although a move to a new dedicated spaces to ‘further enhance’ the shopping experience has still not been ruled out.
The pair said: “Our goal has always been to help people fall back in love with their towns and cities, and to show that shopping local isn’t just a trend—it’s the heart and soul of a thriving community.
“Seeing so many people embrace what we do at Keep It Local is incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited to build on that momentum throughout 2025.”
The store is located on Level 5 of The Potteries Centre , in the former Next unit.
More than 80 creative businesses are featured alongside a new concept, the ‘back to the future’ department, blending nostalgia with independent retail. Brands include Emused Vintage Clothing, Retrospective Relics and Sid’s Records.
Local furniture maker Grays of Fenton has returned and other new businesses include mug producer Sipp of Stoke.
Visitors can look forward to:
- Free creative activities for children in the coming weeks.
- A pop-up charm bar and permanent jewellery station.
- ‘Meet the Maker’ sessions hosted by Castle Artisan Events, bringing shoppers face-to-face with talented local artisans every Thursday to Sunday.
- Three rotating pop-up stalls, showcasing new and exciting independent businesses.
Keep It Local will also be opening a new venture, called Yellow by Keep It Local, in Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington later this month.
