The Mall Bristol open day for retailers
The Mall in Bristol city centre has lost a number of high-profile names as a result of the recession including Woolworths, The Pier and Rosebys.
Other big names which have arrived in the city in recent months have opted to locate in the recently opened Cabot Circus.
The three-storey shopping centre close to Broadmead is holding its first open day event next Friday, July 10. Both new and existing retailers are being invited to take part in the informal event which is being held in the Almshouse.
Colin Lang, the general manager of the centre, said: "This is the first time that we have run an event of this type and we are hoping that local independent retailers and entrepreneurs will take the opportunity to come into The Mall and chat to both the management team and the lettings team in a relaxed environment."
As well as announcing a number of new lettings over the past few months, including two new food outlets, The Baguette Shop and Noodles, the centre says it has seen a significant upsurge in interest in the smaller retail merchandising units.
Bosses say the rise in interest from people wanting to start their own enterprise can be put down to a number of factors including the tough job market and the influence of programmes such as Dragons' Den.
"A number of people who have been made redundant seem to have seen this as an opportunity to start afresh, and are finally making their dreams of launching a new business a reality," Colin said.
"Our units offer an ideal launch pad for start-up businesses and we are keen to support this increased interest, as these stands offer our shoppers a broad range of unique and usually local products.
"The opportunity is there for new local businesses to test their products in the market and get feedback direct from their customers without the commitment of a long-term lease or the investment in shop fitting, and we will support these traders all the way."
The Mall is also working with business advice agency BRAVE Enterprise to help support those who might be looking to launch their own business at the shopping centre.
Justin Ricks from BRAVE will be at the event. He said: "BRAVE was set up in Bristol over 30 years ago and has since helped thousands of entrepreneurs develop and run successful and profitable businesses.
"We are delighted to be involved as this is just the type of event that is needed in the current market to help support and encourage local business talent."
For more information about the event, please call 0117 9290569.
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