A new specially-created shopping gallery for independent traders, called The Collective, has opened in Shrewsbury’s Darwin Shopping Centre. The new gallery aims to form a destination in Shrewsbury for people looking for something unique, local and special.
The space, located on the ground floor of the centre, will house up to 10 independent businesses, with eight opening this week. Traders set to open in their new premises are Sidney’s Café, Jennico, Val B’s Wax Jewellery, Heavenly Brides, Beauty & Nails Inbox, Tubeway Records, DVD Megastore, and Irehab.
All have relocated from the Pride Hill Shopping Centre as part of plans to establish the Darwin Centre as Shrewsbury’s main retail centre, and with the Pride Hill Centre set to be redeveloped.
“Our vision is for the Darwin Centre’s retail mix to evolve into more of a community-led shopping centre with more regional and independent stores, whilst retaining some popular national brands,” commented Kevin Lockwood, Shrewsbury Shopping Centres manager.
“We’re really excited about The Collective, which will offer a unique destination for independent businesses. With lockdown ending and Christmas on the horizon, we encourage people to come and see it for themselves. They will be able to shop safely and support some fantastic local independent traders.”
Estaban Bridges from DVD Megastore, said, “I’m really looking forward to opening our new unit in The Collective, alongside so many other brilliant independent traders, and to welcoming customers old and new. 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.”
