After a phenomenal response during the festive period, Keep It Local is thrilled to announce the reopening of its much-loved creative department store at The Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley.

The store, located on Level 5 in the former Next unit, will continue to be a vibrant hub for independent makers, bakers, and creators, bringing together a diverse selection of local talent and unique finds for shoppers. 

Between October 1st and December 24th, 2024, Keep It Local welcomed an astounding 330,000 visitors through its doors, supporting 212 local businesses and charities. 

During this period, the initiative returned an incredible £136,000 directly back into the hands of small businesses, while also raising over £3,000 for Greyhound Gap and £2,500 for the Royal Stoke Cancer Centre. The store's success demonstrated the community's strong appetite for supporting independent traders and celebrating local creativity. 

Co-founders Andy and Laura Nixon expressed their enthusiasm for the store's return, stating: "Our goal has always been to help people fall back in love with their towns and cities, and to show that shopping local isn't just a trend—it's the heart and soul of a thriving community. Seeing so many people embrace what we do at Keep It Local is incredibly rewarding, and we're excited to build on that momentum throughout 2025." 

The store is located on Level 5 of The Potteries Centre (Nub News).

The reopening marks a new chapter for Keep It Local, with an initial 12-month agreement in place with The Potteries Shopping Centre. While the store will remain in its current unit on Level 5 for now, future plans include moving into a new, dedicated space within the centre to further enhance the shopping experience. 

Visitors can expect an even more dynamic shopping experience, featuring over 80 creative businesses alongside an exciting new retail concept, the 'Back to the Future' Department. This section will introduce shoppers to Emused Vintage Clothing, Retrospective Relics, and Sid's Records, blending nostalgia with independent retail in a fresh and exciting way. 

Additionally, Grays of Fenton, a renowned local furniture maker with over 40 years of craftsmanship in Stoke-on-Trent, is back, reinforcing Keep It Local's commitment to working with the region's finest artisans. Other new businesses joining the community include Sipp of Stoke, creators of beautifully designed mugs handcrafted in the city. 

Keep It Local remains dedicated to giving back to the community, with Greyhound Gap confirmed as the chosen charity for 2025. Discussions are also ongoing with another local charity to expand their community support efforts. 

In addition, visitors can look forward to: 

• Free creative activities for children in the coming weeks. 
• A pop-up charm bar and permanent jewellery station. 
• 'Meet the Maker' sessions hosted by Castle Artisan Events, bringing shoppers face-to-face with talented local artisans every Thursday to Sunday. 
• Three rotating pop-up stalls, showcasing new and exciting independent businesses. 

With Keep It Local's grand re-opening, shoppers in Stoke-on-Trent once again have an opportunity to explore and support an incredible array of local talent.

For more information on Staffordshire's First Creative Department Store including a schedule of workshops and special events, visit the website or @yellowbykeepitlocal for further updates.

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