INDEPENDENT traders will be taking over Westquay this week.
A former American Candy shop on the first floor of the Southampton shopping centre will be transformed into a small business haven thanks to Dream Empire Market Co.
The Southampton-based company will be in the shop for two weeks from Tuesday alongside small city businesses.
Co-founder of Dream Empire Market Co, Steph Harwood said: “Renting premises is quite inaccessible for small businesses, but we wanted to make it attainable and accessible.
“We are taking over the shop for two weeks until October 2 and there will be four to seven traders in there each day.
“We have different people in each day so no two days will be the same.
“There will be homewares, crystals, bath bombs and soaps, jewellery, natural skin care, and more.
“We really wanted to focus on being able to really support local businesses.”
READ MORE: Westquay set to open on day of Queen's funeral - but many stores will be closed
Steph and her business partner Sarah Knight have contacted a network of Southampton businesses and advertised the pop-up shop on Facebook – and spaces are quickly being filled.
Steph said: “We have managed to pull this off in three weeks. It’s been a challenge but we have got there.
“We’re hoping to extend to a third week too, and people can email dreamempiremarkets@outlook.com if they want to take part.”
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