Buckie pop-up shops are proving popular
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TWO new pop-up shops have opened in Buckie, as part of Moray’s Economic Recovery Plan.
Following a successful pilot in Keith, the shops are the first to open under the current scheme running until January 2023. The scheme offers small and start-up businesses the chance to operate from premises that would otherwise be empty.
Moray Council is now encouraging owners of other vacant premises in Forres, Elgin, Keith, Dufftown, Lossiemouth and Aberlour to join the scheme that benefits the community while ensuring their property remains looked after and heated.
Business owner, Neil Cruickshank of Moray Megga Deals, opened the first pop-up shop at 7 High Street, Buckie last week. The firm, which deals in a variety of household goods, surplus, end of line products and customer returns, is based in Elgin's Pinefield industrial estate where it has been trading since 2018.
He said it was an exciting, if nerve-wracking, opportunity.
Mr Cruickshank continued: "Moray Megga Deals has been running for the last four years but we miss out on a lot of footfall due to our location.
"The pop-up shop is a good opportunity to try some sort of retail outlet in a prominent location, which is what we have here in Buckie. Also, our second biggest customer base is in Buckie, so it makes sense.
"It's also a chance to raise our profile; even if this doesn't succeed it'll make more people aware of who we are."
"We've had a good start and if this continues I'll look at opening permanently in Buckie and employing someone part-time. I've got the pop-up shop for a month and will make a decision after March 6."
Mr Cruickshank added he hoped to have the pop-up shop open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
The second shop to open in Buckie is at 9 West Church Street and is operating as The Eco Broker. Run by energy surveyor Joe Gilchrist, the firm helps source funding to replace heating and insulation through the energy company obligation scheme. This is a government energy efficiency initiative to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
Mr Gilchrist said: "I'm trying to raise awareness of what's out there, what people can get and the funding they may be able to access.
"With rising energy costs the options we offer are more relevant than ever.
"Things like Air Source pumps [these use outside air to heat water for radiators] offer an alternative for people who are off the main gas grid, which is the case for many properties in Moray. I want to make people aware this is here and to see if they qualify for funding.
"There are a lot of older properties in Moray which don't have wall cavities – internal wall insulation can be a big help here.
"I'm also hoping to network while I'm here for local heating engineers, joiners and plasterers who I could use for these jobs. I'm very keen to keep it local and get local people involved.
"I've got the pop-up shop for a month and my aim is to have a permanent presence here and employ someone part-time."
For more information on the firm's services, visit www.theecobroker.co.uk, follow their Facebook page or call 08004 700 961.
Speaking as the first pop-up shops opened, Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Graham Leadbitter, said: “Anything we can do to support both traders and property owners at this time is worth exploring and I’m delighted these two businesses are getting off the ground in Buckie.
“I look forward to seeing the network of pop-up shops develop as property owners appreciate the benefits to offering their premises for the scheme. We have no shortage of businesses raring to go so it would be great to see them supported by our communities.”
News of the pop-up shops was welcomed by Buckie councillor Sonya Warren.
She said: "Good luck to both pop-up shops opening in Buckie.
"It's fantastic to see people take advantage of the support being offered by this scheme, it can be very daunting and expensive to open a shop. Hopefully they will be well supported by the community.
"There are many local shops facing huge pressures, not just with the rise of internet shopping, but also with the huge rise of utility costs and overheads, as well as the rising costs of stock. Whilst we are also having to tighten our belts due to the cost of living crisis, now is the time to show support to all our local shops.
"We need to use them so we don't lose them."
Fellow ward councillor Tim Eagle commented: "It is great to see locals considering starting their own business have an opportunity to take on a shop with only utilities to pay for.
"For many this is an opportunity to test a new market or a new way of reaching customers. It would be great to see the community take the opportunity to support this innovative part of the economic development plan and I hope the shops are successful here in Buckie."
For more information, guidance and an expression of interest form email popup@moray.gov.uk Property owners who would like to participate should also use that contact.
