Big boost for The Potteries Centre as 200 traders to take over old Next

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Two-hundred stall-holders are to start trading from a mothballed shopping centre department store. The unit has been shut ever since anchor tenant Next closed its Potteries Centre branch more than two years ago.

But the unit is to be transformed into a Creative Department Store from 10am on 1 October and until Christmas Eve following a deal between Keep It Local and The Potteries Centre, in Hanley.

Now Keep It Local has pledged to 'bring the magic of Christmas back' to Stoke-on-Trent. The unit will also host themed nights and workshops.

READ MORE:'Mortified' daughter ordered to remove crematorium memorial

READ MORE:Life in Staffordshire town where every bank has now closed

Its co-founder Andy Nixon said: "This is more than just a pop-up store. We are creating a space that celebrates the creativity and spirit of Stoke-on-Trent. Our goal is to bring the magic of Christmas back to our city and offer a shopping experience that the community can truly be proud of."

Andy and Laura Nixon, from Keep It Local outside Creative Department Store in The Potteries Centre
Andy and Laura Nixon, from Keep It Local outside Creative Department Store in The Potteries Centre

Keep It Local already has shops in Longton and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Keep It Local co-founder Laura Nixon said: "This project has been a labour of love for our team. We’ve worked tirelessly to transform an empty retail space into a destination that not only supports local businesses but also reinvests in our community. We believe in the people and the city of Stoke-on-Trent and we’re committed to making this a success and championing our creative county."

It is possible that Creative Department Store could yet become a permanent fixture in The Potteries Centre. It comes as the centre's other anchor unit - the old Debenhams store - still remains empty.

The old Hanley Next inside The Potteries Centre
The old Hanley Next inside The Potteries Centre

Centre manager Amy Whittaker said: “We are excited to welcome Keep it Local, the first-ever creative department store, to The Potteries Centre. It comes at a perfect time of the year with the festive season approaching and we are confident that this new addition will be a great success. We want to continue offering the local community a space to explore their creativity and discover unique, handcrafted gifts. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the centre to get involved with the activities and workshops."

Hanley Business Improvement District (BID) has welcomed the deal.

BID director Richard Buxton said: “We’re thrilled to be part of Keep It Local’s new venture. This department store is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of what our creative community has to offer and it’s initiatives like this that really make a difference in revitalising our high streets.”

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE