A raft of independent traders have taken over an empty shop in Barry to create a new 'business emporium'. Located on Holton Road, The Independents is hoping to bring a breath of fresh air and introduce more local traders to the town's high street.
Lauren Hay, the brains behind the new emporium, hopes the new venture will allow smaller independent businesses more opportunities to excel in the town. She explained: "We've got Wild Botanic, the plant shop, and we've got the rent a shelf up there, and we just wanted to make it a bigger shop."
'The Independents' - located in the previous Dorothy Perkins store - allows local traders to rent out an area to sell their stock. "There are so many big units on Holton Road that you're not going to be able to afford to start out on," Lauren explained. "The unit is massive and no one is going to be able to afford that alone."
The 30-year-old from Llangan added: "It's not been funded either, so we're hoping to get finding in June and it will just keep evolving. Read more: First review of Alium in Barry: Impressive food that's worth the high prices
Currently, the emporium hosts nine traders selling items such as crystals, furniture, home accessories, bath bombs, art, candles, jewellery, flowers, and plants. Lauren added that a coffee shop is anticipated to open shortly at the back of the store.
The current traders involved are:
Wild Rituals
ChoColate Orange Interiors
Joon Silver
Nature House Florist
Majestic Essentials
Sweet Magnolias
Jenna Murphy
Stay Wild Jewellery
Wild botanic
Lauren added that there is still room for more local traders to join, and those interested can reach her here.
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