Retail Pop-Up ‘Best of Brum’ Showcases Local Creatives
Best of Brum is an all new pop up shop in Birmingham's Great Western Arcade, hosted by independent retailer Provide.
Bringing together some of the best emerging creative talent currently working in Birmingham, the store aims to highlight independent brands, handmade products and one-of-a-kind artworks produced for and by the local community.
Best Of Brum opened on Thursday 1st November
Its been an interesting period of reflection for Matt Nation, the young entrepreneur who launched Provide on a shoe-string 4 years ago. After leaving his permanent retail space at the Custard Factory in Digbeth and hosting a pop up shop at the Great Western Arcade last year, the team made the decision to change the way they operate, reducing their overheads in favour of moving in to a new studio at 212 Space to focus more on creating the things they love.
“It’s turned out to be a fantastic development for Provide, and being a little off the beaten track has actually made collaboration and production much more fruitful” says Matt. But with Christmas coming up, a more accessible presence was needed – and last week they launched ‘Best of Brum.’ a pop-up which champions local creative talent.
Store highlights include vintage style hand lettered signs by Jim Kerr of Seven 9 Signs, Birmingham’s leading traditional sign writer; Naski, a new company from product designer Simon Spink, whose technical bags are handmade from start to finish in his Birmingham based workshop, Haslucks Honey made with the help of Birmingham bees, and artwork and clothing by Joseph Turvey, a fashion designer who has exhibited at London Fashion Week.
Provide will also be stocking their own-brand clothing, and smaller items such as gift cards, and a selection of tote bags, merchandise, independent publications and books.
A first floor gallery above the shop will host a series of events in keeping with the ‘Best in Brum’ theme, including book signings and exclusive exhibitions by local artists, including Imbue – once dubbed the ‘Banksy of Brighton.’
With traditional high street retailers in turmoil, this Christmas a group of Birmingham-based artists and designers have taken it upon themselves to provide an alternative shopping destination for unique and locally sourced gifts.
Matt Nation, owner of Provide and organiser of Best in Brum says: “I have been a passionate advocate of the creative potential in Birmingham since I moved here four years ago; Best of Brum will be a fantastic showcase for local artists and brands that I admire. I hope that our offer will strike a chord with Brummies looking for something more original.”
Best of Brum runs until the end of December, providing ample opportunity for local shoppers to pick up unique, handcrafted gifts and clothing.
Best of Brum is open daily until December 31st. Opening 10.30am – 6pm, Mon – Sat, and 11.30 – 6pm Sundays. For further info on special events in store check Facebook for details.
provideshop.com