I notice that there is more and more empty shops in Yeovil. I'd love to able to run a shop but I can't afford it. Just wondered if we could get a business to sponsor a shop for a year for small retailers could sell thier stuff in. There's not enough of the arts and crafts in Yeovil. Sponsor empty shops instead of them standing empty.

By Future Art at 13:50 on 01/02/11

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Great idea, but I can't see any businesses dipping into their pockets to help out the small fish. The campaign starts here...?

By RedDevil10 at 14:00 on 01/02/11
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Yeovil need more independent diversifed shops to pull in more customers for the rest of the town. I don't understand why a shop owner would want a shop to stand empty for over a year. The big businesses like Westlands etc could sponsor a shop for a year. What I would like to see is a shop like the old Primark shop into a independent shop for small stall holders. Of course me being one of those.

By Future Art at 14:28 on 01/02/11
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Maybe if we keep banging on about it something will start to happen. I totally agree, walking through town is pretty depressing, so many boarded up properties standing dormant. Is there any history or precedent of that kind of sponsorship scheme working elsewhere?

By RedDevil10 at 14:39 on 01/02/11
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Don't know. Maybe adopt a new business scheme. Say if you were a furniture company and you had lots of wall space you could adopt say "canvas print" company and take a small profit from sells. Or a flower shop could adopt a cake company for birthday and weddings, just maybe have some adverts/sample in the same shop, you'd be offering more that just flowers. I am sure people are going this, already.

By Future Art at 14:50 on 01/02/11
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Suggestion from Nick Larner on twitter, he says 'approach the landlords of the empty units and ask if the rent can be reduced first. Then contact the district council and see if they will consider reducing the rates.'

Whether they will ever be reduced enough to appeal to small craft businesses like yours I'm not sure. I totally understand where you're coming from and will do what I can to drum up support.

By jashby1 at 15:23 on 01/02/11
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Thankyou very much.

By Future Art at 15:03 on 02/02/11
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Just spotted something in this week's yeovil Express that may be of some use. There's an advert on page 3 that is offering units to rent "in a charismatic building opening soon in the heart of Yeovil. Inviting interest from traders in antiques,books,vintageclothing,jewellery,ART,studio, crafts..." - the list goes on.
The ad continues "...We offer a venue to host existing or start-up businesses with low overheads and minimum commitment, plus support and guidance from proprietors with over 60 years retail experience..."

For an information pack phone Vicki on 01297 639995 or email yeovilemporium@yahoo.co.uk.

Sound like the kind of thing you're looking for?

Hope this helps :)

By Moon_Loon at 12:15 on 05/05/11
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Thats great. Well spotted. I am looking for some sort of start up scheme. Thanks for that I will tell you how I got on. Report back soon. Jenny

By Future Art at 13:35 on 05/05/11
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I don't want to say too much at the moment, but this lead sound like it's going to be a good one. Any one looking for retail area in Yeovil please contact yeovilemporium@yahoo.co.uk. Deatils will follow. Jenny

By Future Art at 12:14 on 07/05/11
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I have just spotted this discussion and read through all your comments. The emporium idea sounds great and I hope it is successfull. A few years ago they tried to run an indoor market type idea , something like an arcade in the old cashman store that used to stand on sherbourne rd where we now have farm foods car park. Unfortunately they didnt get enough support to keep it going. I fully agree that Yeovil needs something like this. I will keep watching with interested. I was just wondering if Future Art has been in contact with the Arts Cafe in Market Street? They have a small shop area that sells goods for local crafts and artist.

By Yeovils_Mayor at 23:53 on 08/05/11
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Hi Yeovil's Mayor, I saw you last week at the "Stream Rally" in the craft tent but you didn't stop to talk which was a shame. I had a stall with canvas prints with a pair of lady eyes, and other abstract art. It would have been good to show you what I am going. I remember an indoor market where you are talking about, but it was a long time ago, as I remember there was a lot of tat being sold. That's the trouble with this sort of thing to bring people into these indoor markets have to look professional and not like a jumble sale in a village hall. Yeovil has lots of creative people who travel outside Yeovil to sell thier crafts. Is Yeovil ready for a craft and art injection? Thankyou for your support. I will keep you posted.
Jenny

By Future Art at 09:06 on 09/05/11
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I'm glad I was able to help. We need more support for grass root and start up businesses, especially for arts/crafts and local business because these sorts of things are often overlooked in favour of large brands and fashion outlets. Hope it goes well :)

By Moon_Loon at 11:23 on 11/05/11
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I agree support local businesses otherwise our high street will look like any other high street. Thanks for your support. Please have a look at this link, this is my EBay shop. Thanks again.
http://tinyurl.com/5tqryqm

By Future Art at 13:34 on 11/05/11
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Here comes another empty shop for Yeovil as Peacocks looks to close 224 of its stores across the UK, following its acquisition by Edinburgh Woollen Mill today. The Yeovil shop is on the hitlist - http://tinyurl.com/78kdeka

By RedDevil10 at 16:15 on 22/02/12
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