Retailers urged to ‘pop up’ in Rochdale

ROCHDALE is offering grants and other support to attract retailers to the town.
 
Its ‘Pop-up for Businesses’ campaign helps retailers set up a pop-up shops with start-up cash and free business advice and training.
 
Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Pop-ups are a fantastic way for businesses to try out the market and reach more customers. They bring variety and colour to towns offering something different and unique by making good use of empty or under-used spaces.
 
“By providing this support package we’re hoping to encourage people who have business ideas to come and give them a go in our borough and help us make our town centres lively places that attract locals and visitors.”
 
Empty Shops Network founder Dan Thompson, and author of ‘Pop-Up Business for Dummies’, attended a launch event for the campaign.
 
He said: “The best pop-ups really help revitalise town centres and are a great way of responding to their changing nature. It’s great that the council has recognised this and wants to bring all the benefits that pop-ups offer to Rochdale.”
 
Martin Ballard, manager of the town’s Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, said: “The beauty of pop-ups is that they can literally turn around an empty shop in 24 hours. We have received lots of interest and will be offering opportunities for local entrepreneurs to trade from here right up until Christmas.”