News
News
Leeds First Certified Fair-Trade Pop-Up Shop Launches at the Merrion Centre
Mon 28 Oct, 2019
The Merrion Centre in Leeds Arena Quarter welcomes Leeds first Samsara Fair-Trade pop-up shop as it commences its countdown to Christmas.
Following the success of Samsara’s founding store in East Yorkshire, it will mark their second store in the UK and will be the first of its kind in Leeds by being the only British Association of Fair-Trade certified shop in the city.
Launching just in time for Christmas, the pop-up shop is open until 27th December and will sell a wide range of unique, handmade, Fair-Trade crafts and gifts. Created with care and love, from five families across the globe, products on offer will include items from Bali, soap stone from Kenya and recycled aluminium from India.
Denise Harrison, Samsara’s owner and all-round globe trotter, founded the concept when she saw first-hand the vast array of products made by traditional crafters across Bali, Africa and Asia and swiftly identified an opportunity to work with suppliers directly, rather than buying from a wholesaler.
Denise Harrison, Samsara Founder said: “The location of our shops is key to their success. We’re excited to branch out and launch our first pop-up shop at the Merrion Centre which is at the heart of the Leeds community in the growing Arena Quarter district. The centre provides access to great footfall and a wide variety of customers, and it’s down to earth approach is fitting with our founding values of supporting local communities. We can’t wait to share our love of handmade Fair-Trade products with a whole new group of customers.”
The temporary pop-up shop will have one full time member of staff and supports the Merrion Centre’s commitment to offering a wide range of independent retail and leisure outlets whilst enhancing the shopping experience for customers.
Helen Green, Associate Director for Town Centre Securities owners of the Merrion Centre said:
“It’s always exciting when the Merrion Centre brings a “first” to Leeds and we are delighted to be working with Denise and the Samsara team in bringing their certified fair-trade pop up shop to the city.As a business we are passionate about sustainability. As we continue to evolve the original building, the phased refurbishment of the Merrion Centre is the ultimate sustainable initiative. We look forward to introducing existing and welcoming new customers to Samsara’s extensive unique product range this Christmas.”
The pop-up Samsara & Co shop is now open on the main mall with a special launch discount offer of 20% off for the opening week (to Saturday 2nd November).