Colliers campaigns for return of pop-up shops in Bristol's Park Street28th May 2014

One of Bristol's most popular independent shopping streets could see the return of pop-up shops thanks to a social media campaign being conducted by commercial property specialist Colliers International.

The campaign is designed to support traders and drive footfall in Park Street, which despite being one of Bristol's hippest retail areas, is along with many other UK high streets still suffering the tail end of the recession.

Pop-up shops provide traders - particularly ones looking to test the market - with a viable alternative to permanent premises, as they offer cut-price rents and short leases.

Colliers International retail specialist Nick Turk said: “Despite a faster than anticipated recovery in UK retailing not even Britain’s hippest street is completely immune to the downturn and there are still a small number of vacant units in what is an otherwise thriving location.

“A number of pop-up shops and street galleries operated in Park Street during the depths of the downturn – and could be the answer to closing up the small number of vacant shop frontages which remain.”

According to Mr Turk, pop-up shops are a valuable retail proposition, as they create an active frontage, as well as adding vibrancy to the street scene.

“They are especially effective in locations with a strong independent streak such as Park Street where their bright ideas and strong visual impact boosts the street’s appeal out of all proportion to their operating budgets.”

“Like all shoppers, I would prefer to see a pop-up shop rather than a boarded up unit. This is one way of helping Park Street in particular but also town centres across the West to maintain some level of footfall, even if it does prove to be here today, gone tomorrow.”

Photograph shows Colliers surveyors Dan Johnstone and Gema Daly in Park Street, Bristol.