Hammerson and Appear Here launch Up Market
Shopping centre operator Hammerson is teaming up with Appear Here to launch Up Market, an initiative to introduce new and emerging independent retailers to Hammerson’s UK schemes.
Launching at Birmingham’s Bullring this week, Up Market will include a rotating line-up of the region’s up-and-coming food, fashion and lifestyle brands.
As part of a three-year agreement, Appear Here will curate commercial mall space in Hammerson’s shopping centre portfolio. Three other Up Markets planned in the first year include Brent Cross, London, Cabot Circus, Bristol and Victoria Quarter, Leeds.
Each Up Market will run for a minimum of eight weeks, providing local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with the opportunity to trial new products and concepts on a large-scale in a retail environment. Independent retailers will be able rent space from £300 per week.
Brands already signed up to Up Market at Bullring include food brands The Sweet Potato Spirit Co, Miss Macaroon and The Strawberry Stop, natural skincare specialist Zero Skin, jewellery brand Bug, and lighting firm Jam Jar Lights.
Iain Mitchell, UK commercial director at Hammerson, said: “In line with our strategy to create differentiated destinations where more happens, this initiative will shine a spotlight on the UK’s most exciting and innovative retail talent, providing unknown artisan brands with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with millions of customers on a national scale
“We look forward to working with Appear Here over the coming years, and we are excited about the potential to discover new and emerging brands as the Up Market tour rolls out across our UK-wide portfolio of retail destinations.”
