Pop-up shop puts creativity back into the shopping experience

MP for Rochdale Simon Danczuk with the pop-up shop volunteers

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Scroll down for Video

Young volunteers who have taken part in a 12 week skills development and volunteering programme have opened a pop-up shop on Yorkshire Street.

The shop puts creativity back into the shopping experience by giving customers the opportunity to customise their own t-shirts, tote-bags, tea towels and posters.

The shop was officially opened today (Saturday 11 May) by Rochdale MP, Simon Danczuk, he said: I think this is a great initiative; it's about giving young people a flavour of retail.

"I hope some of the young people who have taken part have developed a desire to set up their own outlet and will help us to build a better retail offer for Rochdale.

"There can be no doubt about it, we need to do more for the town centre.

"We need the Local Authority to start providing leadership in terms of the town centre. I hope the council itself will learn from this project and see what can be done, on a relatively small budget, in terms of inspiring young people to set up businesses.

"I welcome this initiative, I think it is really exciting for the town.

"It puts a smile on my face seeing these young people doing this. It's great to be here and great to celebrate it."

Retail Ready People (RRP), which is run by Retail Trust and youth volunteering charity vInspired, have helped give the volunteers an opportunity to build new skills in business and retail and offer them the opportunity to enter or progress in the retail sector.

Ben Read, local project co-ordinator for Retail Ready People in Rochdale, said: We have worked with the young people on an intensive programme and today is the big launch day. They have learned a range of skills, including how to set up business, about retailing, from buying to visual merchandising and customer service. They have done a very good job, worked very hard and we are really excited about it."