Loved By Gunwharf has been launched to champion independent businesses from Portsmouth and the surrounding area, offering them the opportunity to trade from branded pop-up kiosks within the Avenues at Gunwharf Quays.
With between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors every week, the initiative gives independent businesses the chance to test their products in one of the UK’s leading retail destinations, build brand awareness and reach customers from across the UK and overseas, without the commitment of a permanent retail presence.
Hampshire Fare recently hosted a breakfast for members at independent Portsmouth business The Fossil Thief, bringing members together with the Gunwharf Quays team to find out more about the initiative and how they could make use of it.
Hampshire Fare then spent a day trading from one of the Loved By Gunwharf kiosks, distributing copies of its free Local Produce Guide and talking to visitors about the wealth of food, drink and producers across Hampshire.
Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Director of Hampshire Fare, said:
“As we celebrate our 35th anniversary this year, it feels particularly fitting that we are continuing to do what Hampshire Fare has always been about – championing independent businesses and helping them find new opportunities to grow. We want to create genuine opportunities for our members, help them find new routes to market, make new connections and reach customers they might not otherwise have access to.
“Loved By Gunwharf is a great example of this in action. For a small independent business, the opportunity to test a new market in a high-footfall destination without taking on the commitment of a permanent retail space is really attractive. The scale of Gunwharf Quays means businesses can potentially reach a completely new audience, including visitors from across the UK and overseas.
“I also think it’s fantastic to see a major destination like Gunwharf Quays actively creating space for independent businesses. Supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for them to grow is something we all have a role to play in, and this is exactly the kind of partnership we want to build – making connections, opening doors and helping our members get their products in front of new audiences.”
Paul Gorst, Business Development Manager at Gunwharf Quays, said: “Portsmouth and the surrounding areas are home to some fantastic businesses, and we are proud to be involved and help support these independent brands.
“This initiative is about removing barriers and introducing local independents to thousands of new customers every day – we encourage any businesses looking to take their next step to reach out and get involved.”
The Loved By Gunwharf kiosks are available for daily hire, giving independent businesses a flexible way to test a new market. Participating businesses also have access to support from the Gunwharf Quays team across marketing, operations and business development.
