The Pop-Up Club is returning to where it all started as it opens up ‘The Pop-Up Club presents…The Cornershop’ ahead of Christmas on Bond Street in Chelmsford’s city centre.
The Pop-Up Club concept originally started in Chelmsford with founder Tillie Peel, before growing and expanding all across the UK. This year it takes on a large unit on Bond Street, putting it at the heart of the city’s retail and next to big brands including John Lewis, Hotel Chocolat and Oliver Bonas. Opening up in a former retail space occupied by Sweaty Betty, it’s the first time The Pop-Up Club has returned to the city since 2022 and now it brings back ‘The Cornershop’ with a nod to the traditional corner shop on the high street.
Opening its doors from Saturday 16th November, the new Chelmsford store will be open from 10am until 7pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Shoppers will be able to choose from the carefully curated traders on offer including stunning artwork from AP Designs, vintage homeware and prints from Dellalicious Designs, culinary inspired drawings from Nat Draws This and handmade porcelain jewellery from Studio 23 Ceramics. The Chelmsford store is also championing local small businesses, including Fendell Posters who highlight the local Essex area with their unique print posters.
In previous years The Pop-Up Club has provided a platform for small retailers and traders, helping them earn more than £1.5m across previous years by offering them a bricks and mortar opportunity to sell and meet customers on the high street. This year it’s supporting small businesses and retailers in seven locations across the UK including Leeds Trinity, London’s Hammersmith, Waterloo, One New Change and Wandsworth and back to its roots in Chelmsford.
Founder Tillie Peel said: “Chelmsford is where it all began for us, and we’re excited to return to our home city and where our concept first started, where it found its feet and where it shaped the business we know today. Having such a prominent spot in the city centre with our new Bond Street retail unit puts us at the heart of everything in Chelmsford, and we’re excited to welcome back familiar faces as well as new shoppers who can explore and discover our range of retailers, small businesses and independent traders that they might never have heard of before.
“With over 5 million small businesses in the UK*, there are so many that deserve attention and shopping small can bring huge benefits to the economy as well as supporting local income. This Christmas is the perfect time to shop from small businesses and independent traders, where a purchase can make a real difference to that brand. Our network of independent businesses have found being in our stores offers real value, as well as allowing them to speak to customers, see the reactions in real time to their items and to get a taste of what the high street has to offer.”
Artist, illustrator and designer Funky Adi has explained why they joined The Pop-Up Club in Chelmsford, as they explained: “I heard only good things about The Pop Up Club and the team behind it. It’s hard to get your brand out there as a small independent so this is the perfect way to get your products into great locations, spread awareness of your brand at a fraction of the cost, and have the support of their great team.”
Artist Blue Iris Designs has also signed up to be part of The Pop-Up Club, as they said: “We’re always thrilled to work with The Pop Up Club! They bring a much needed small business presence to spaces that we are usually excluded from, and Tillie does an amazing job of championing and advocating for small brands. The exposure and support The Pop-Up Club has brought to our small business has been incredible, and we love sharing the space with amazing independent brands that the high street deserves to see and shop.”
Tilly of By Tilly, a hand drawn illustrator, has also joined The Pop-Up Club as she said: “”I chose to team up with The Pop-Up Club because their mission to support and uplift small businesses aligns perfectly with my values.
“Being part of The Pop-Up Club community has been a game changer for my small business, not just in terms of sales, but also in the incredible reach and exposure I’ve gained, especially in locations I would have otherwise not had access to.
“Their commitment to showcasing unique products in vibrant, accessible spaces gives small businesses like mine the opportunity to flourish and reach new audiences, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.”
Jessica Sian of Jessica Sian Illustration added: “Some of the first markets I did as a business were with The Pop-Up Club in Chelmsford. Their markets and shops have been a huge part of my growth over the years so it’s always a joy to team up with them, especially at Christmas when their shops are full of beautiful gifts for everyone made by local small businesses!”
