UKFT education partner the Fashion & Textile Design Centre has worked with various local stakeholders to launch a new pop-up shop in Derry’s Foyleside shopping centre.

Designer maker Shannon McCafferty at the opening of the RE:Imagine Pop Up Shop in Foyleside Shopping Centre. Picture Martin McKeown.

The RE:IMAGINE store features clothing, homeware and lifestyle products, made locally in the North West of Ireland.

The pop-up shop launched in March with a fantastic turnout and is set to remain open for four months. The prime retail space will provide a launch pad for up-and-coming start-ups and a platform for local businesses.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, attended the launch of the store filled with talented local designers and makers who will be showing their work at the new premises until June.

Mayor Warke said: “I had a fantastic evening at the launch of the Re:IMAGINE Pop Up Shop now open in Foyleside Shopping Centre.

“Ten talented designers and makers will be showcasing their brands at the prime retail location over the coming months – so why not pop in and check out the amazing array of products?

“The scheme is a collaboration between Derry City & Strabane Council, The Inner City Trust’s Fashion & Textile Design Centre (FTDC) in Derry and BID in Strabane, and is part of the new Start Up Accelerator Programme.

“I was so impressed by the quality of the products; it’s really encouraging for the local economy to see the level of new talent establishing themselves on the high street. Well done to all the businesses involved.”

Inside the RE:IMAGINE pop-up shop, you can shop their fantastic products and meet the people behind the brands.

The amazing local talent that launched the pop-up shop and continue to trade include Amach, Celtic Irish Art, Coalesce Wearable Art, Connie Ann alongside In_Chlomo, Koto Candles, Oh Sew Design Co., Piece Makers, SO 27 Skincare and Vintage Star.

You’ll also get a glimpse of what a revived high street could look like; a bustling hub, celebrating fresh talent alongside established names, creating jobs and skills, and supporting sustainable practices.

The Mayor Alderman Graham Warke pictured with designers makers, as he offically opened the RE:Imagine Pop Up Shop on Level 3 in Foyleside Shopping Centre. Picture Martin McKeown.

Deirdre Williams, Business Development Manager of the Fashion & Textile Design Centre said: the costs associated with any new business can be prohibitive, so this wraparound package of support will make a major difference to all the successful candidates. Some of the big retail giants have been on the decline for some time now,” she added. “The pandemic has given us the chance to rethink our shopping values – and a demand for locally made, ethical and sustainable product is on the rise. The brands that have been selected for the RE:IMAGINE pop up tick all of those boxes – the launch was amazing – and I’m excited to see how they will progress with the support from everyone involved.”

All the start-ups will receive mentoring, marketing and technical assistance from the initiative, through the Fashion & Textile Design Centre and as part of Derry and Strabane’s StartUp Accelerator Programme.

Keep an eye out on social media for updates and support local at RE:IMAGINE this Spring.

Follow on Instagram: @__re_imagine and @fashionhubderry

The Fashion & Textile Design Centre is supported by the Inner City Trust

VISIT THE FASHION & TEXTILE DESIGN CENTRE WEBSITE

The Fashion & Textile Design Centre is a UKFT education partner.

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