Publisher branches out with retail space in home city of Liverpool
Lucy Nicholson has branched out again, as the Liverpool-based publisher has taken a small shop space to sell her Lucy Maggie Designs and Sunshine Llama wares direct to the public.
Having already expanded just under a year ago to work with many independent illustrators, artists and designers under her Sunshine Llama sub-brand, Lucy is dipping her toes into the retail waters by taking a space in the recently-relocated Red Brick Market in the city’s Baltic Triangle area.
“It’s an area brimming with creative and independent businesses showcasing the best of what Liverpool has to offer,” Lucy told PG Buzz, “and it’s just moved to a bigger venue so there was an opportunity for new creatives to join the hub.
“Places were snapped up quickly so we had to be fast to secure a space, but we managed it. The big launch of the market was on Saturday, 25 February, and it was really successful, we made loads of sales, which proved our decision to take up residence there was the right one!”
Above: Liverpool’s Red Brick Market supports independent businesses
The market works by allowing customers to select their own products from the unmanned units, then pay at the joint checkout, with the retailers paid monthly for all sales, such as the greeting cards from both Lucy’s businesses along with her coasters, pins, notebooks and giftwrap.
Lucy added: “I’ve always dreamt of having a shop space, but have never taken the plunge to rent out a High Street location for various reasons. The market is the perfect opportunity for us to test the water and work out whether we can make it as a retail shop.
“It’s a great model because it really helps to keep costs down for indie businesses like us. Our studio is only just around the corner, so my colleagues Megan Innocent, Ella Goddard and I will be popping in every few days to restock the shelves. It’s really very convenient.”
Founded by Chris Day in 2018, he runs Red Brick Markets in Liverpool and Birmingham, each offering a collection of over 50 independent businesses under one roof, supporting traders, artists and start-up businesses.
Top: Lucy Nicholson is trialling a small retail space
