The pop-up shop initiative will be located adjacent to Lovisa and opposite MG Cars, launching on July 22. Open for six weeks, Clicks and Mortar will offer more than 30 local and national ecommerce businesses the opportunity to explore customer facing trade for the first time. Amazon and Enterprise Nation have selected St David’s for the second ever UK site for the concept, following the successful inaugural store in Manchester.
Speaking on behalf of the St David’s Partnership, a joint venture between Landsec and intu, Russell Loveland, Senior Portfolio Director for Landsec, said: “This exciting project, brought to Cardiff by Amazon and Enterprise Nation, is a fantastic example of how online retailers and brands are able to unlock new value through the use of physical retail. Following success in Manchester, this concept will provide online businesses with a tangible platform to trade in a high impact retail area, alongside St David’s national and international retailers and restaurants.”
Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “The launch of our first store in Manchester has demonstrated there is an appetite amongst online-only brands to test out physical retail, and that shoppers like to buy from small firms and meet them face-to-face. We’ve already got a number of online retailers interested in trading during our six weeks in Cardiff, and we expect to hear from many more. Sellers can simply move in and start making sales. They are provided with a shop, payment solution, furnishings and advice on topics from visual merchandising to social media. We are trying to reduce the friction of small businesses selling on the High Street and we’re delighted to be bringing the concept to Cardiff.”
Doug Gurr, UK Country Manager at Amazon, added: “Small businesses are one of our most important customer groups, and we’re thrilled to work with Enterprise Nation to design a comprehensive package to help entrepreneurs across the UK grow their businesses, both in-store and online. From giving up-and-coming online British brands the chance to experience physical retail, to funding the training of full-time apprenticeships and helping to increase SME exports, Amazon is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses – helping them boost the economy and create jobs across the UK.”
