About Us
What is a Pop-Up Shop?
We are currently embarking on a venture for the Samaritans Charity. The idea is to set up charity shops in premises that are currently vacated. We believe that ultimately this is for the benefit of all involved. From the Landlord's point of view, we agree to pay council rates, electricity, water etc and are able to leave at a moments notice. The landlord is safe in the knowledge that we are looking after the property and the shop will look more appealing to potential suitors. The local community has a shop they can frequent. Local businesses prefer to have a street with shops that are open for trade- it attracts more customers to the area. And, of course, the proceeds go to a good cause.
Current Progress
Samaritans have already opened two of these 'pop-up' shops: a general charity shop on North End Road in Fulham and a Books and Coffee shop on Earls Court Road. We manage the book shop on earls Court road and can happily report that all the local businesses have been very supportive and have welcomed the shop, even donating shelves, sound systems, books, cakes etc. The landlord and Estate Agent have thanked us for our hard work in making the shop look appealing. Both shops have proved a success.
Future Plans
The idea is to open as many of these shops as possible. The more shops we open the easier it will be when the time comes to close each shop- it should be a relatively simple task to transfer all books etc from one shop to another. Eventually, we would like these shops to benefit both local and other nationally registered charities. It would be fantastic if the shops could benefit the areas they are located in directly. If we could lend our support to local charities it would also be a wonderful way of getting the local community involved in the venture.
