BUSINESSES at a new retail space in Newcastle Emlyn are thriving – a week after the space opened.

Antur Cymru opened a pop-up unit last week in Newcastle Emlyn to follow the success of the first in Aberystwyth. The Cymorth Busnes Lleol/Local Business Support pop-up unit has already been popular with customers.

The unit on Cawdor Terrace is home to Stop Waffling artisan bakes and desserts, Live like Nana shopping service, Tyddyn y Helyg gifts and sustainable florist The Flower Meadow.

Antur Cymru has provided the space and will also be giving a platform to the businesses to develop ideas, trial products and generate a customer base whilst receiving commercial support and advice. As it is the bust retail period before Christmas, it is the perfect time for them to embrace the scheme and sell their wares.

Stop Waffling is one that has benefitted from the early results with the scheme. James Mordue, who formally launched the mobile venture earlier this year, said: “We were busy through the summer at festivals and events, but this now gives us a base to build up a local following and attract new customers.

“It’s been really good, and word is getting around that we are here, so in the run up to Christmas and beyond I’m sure we will be even busier.”

The Flower Meadow owner Sarah Redman began the business during the pandemic using grown flowers from the farm she and her husband Richard share in Llandysul. She said: “It’s going really well, with lots of people wanting organic Christmas wreaths and our DIY kits so they can make their own ay home.

“The business had been something of a slow burner as I began selling them in lockdown and delivering to local villages, which soon proved very popular.

“To now be able to meet customers in person and build on that momentum is fantastic – it’s brilliant to see so much support for local entrepreneurs.”

Tivyside Advertiser: Some of those involved in the Newcastle Emlyn pop up space.Some of those involved in the Newcastle Emlyn pop up space. (Image: Antur Cymru)

Stacey Sayers of Tyddyn y Helyg, said: “We are trying different ideas at present, so having this space to test them and see what works is invaluable.

“We are selling items including rugs, aprons, cushions, lampshades, curtains and more, and there is the holistic side of the business as well, so we are excited to see how this develops and really pleased to be part of this network of traders.”

Project manager Julie Morgan added: “Like Aberystwyth, which opened early last year, we’ve seen a wave of customers visit the space already.

“The difference this time is we have that model to refer to and were able to hit the ground running.

“We hope to see even more customers through the door in the short time we have left before Christmas and thank everyone who has shown us so much support already.”

There are plans for a third and fourth location in the new year. The scheme is funded by the UK Government and is driven by levelling up through Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils.