Westminster City Council’s initiative aims to rejuvenate Oxford Street with new pop-up stores.
- The ‘Meanwhile On: Oxford Street’ project offers reduced rent to innovative brands.
- Premium knitwear label Hades and custom sneaker brand Canvvs lead the new openings.
- Luxury linen brand Kindred of Ireland and Love Cocoa also join the venture.
- Over 800 businesses applied for the chance to open in these prime locations.
Westminster City Council has launched the ‘Meanwhile On: Oxford Street’ project, focusing on the revitalisation of the iconic London area by providing pop-up spaces at reduced rents. This initiative addresses vacant store issues and aims to enrich the shopping experience on Oxford Street.
Among the brands benefiting from this scheme are the premium knitwear label Hades and the custom sneaker brand Canvvs. Their presence marks a significant step in transforming the shopping landscape, offering consumers unique products directly from innovative brands.
Luxury linen brand Kindred of Ireland and Love Cocoa, a B Corp certified chocolate brand founded by James Cadbury, are also part of this rejuvenation effort. These brands bring a diverse range of products, enhancing the overall appeal of the area.
The pop-up spaces are available through notable landlords, Places for London and Royal London Asset Management Property. These spaces, previously housing candy and souvenir shops, are now contributing to a more diversified retail environment.
Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development at Westminster City Council, expressed the council’s goal to tackle the issue of vacant stores while promoting growth for small businesses. By offering operational support along with reduced rent and business rates, the initiative strives to contribute significantly to the high street’s diversification and rejuvenation.
This strategic initiative by Westminster City Council is poised to create a vibrant and diverse retail destination on Oxford Street.