Pop-up shop selling Kildare-created brands to open its doors

For a period of 18 months, Kildare County Council’s Enterprise and Economic Development Department is supporting a retail premises for Kildare-created brands that are members of the LEO Kildare Creative Cluster.

The new pop-up shop called GATHER, will be based in Southwells in Market Square, Kildare Town and will open Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

This opportunity is for creative business owners in Kildare, both established and emerging. Expressions of interest are being sought for individual brands, or groups who wish to operate from this unit as a pop-up for a 2-month period. Proposals are welcomed from business owners whose product is made in Kildare, or whose brand originates from Kildare.

Last autumn, Kildare County Council’s Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development Department partnered with luxury shopping destination Kildare Village to launch, GATHER – a creative pop-up showcasing the work of 24 of the best craft and design makers and brands from Kildare.

GATHER, a collection of gifts created in Kildare, quickly became one of the highest performing retail opportunities for locally created brands nationally, exceeding €200,000 in revenue for the 24 creative brands it housed.

Designed to showcase the skills and creative brilliance of master crafts people in Kildare, this festive pop-up brought together 24 makers across homeware, fashion, textiles, jewellery, digital print, ceramics, and wellness.

“From the success of our pop-up in Kildare Village last year, our team were committed to continuing this beautiful concept store,” said Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development in Kildare County Council. “We have found a more permanent residence for our creatives in Southwells, Kildare Town, one which all members of our Craft and Creative cluster can be involved in.”

During November and December 2024, GATHER at Southwells will operate as a Christmas gifting pop-up. All members of LEO Kildare’s Creative Cluster are invited to stock this gift-focused retail opportunity.