Independent Oxford is returning to Oxford’s Covered Market in a space to help nurture the potential Covered Market traders of the future.
Following the success of its pop-up Christmas shop, Independent Oxford – a project which aims to encourage local shopping and independent businesses – is moving in to unit 28/29.
The Indie Oxford Market Place, which will open in September until December, will be filled with a collection of items from at least 20 independent and local businesses, and will provide a space for hosting workshops and talks for business owners.
The space aims to nurture and support small local businesses to grow within the Independent Oxford network, and it is hoped that some of the start-ups may be able to grow to a point where they are able to take a stall in Gloucester Green market or a unit in the Covered Market itself.
In November 2018, Oxford City Council and Independent Oxford piloted a new incubation space for independent and local start-ups in the former Dragon's Den unit of the Covered Market.
Independent Oxford was created by Rosie Jacobs and Anna Munday in 2015 to celebrate and promote independent businesses in Oxford and Oxfordshire.
Oxford Covered Market, which first opened in November 1774, sells food, gifts, shoes, fashion, flowers and jewellery, and the market provides a unique showcase for the very best in local crafts, fashion, food and drink.
Oxford City Council is investing £3.1m into the Covered Market to secure its long-term future. The investment includes £1.8m to secure the roof for another 60 to 80 years, and £1.3m for internal redecoration.
“We are really excited about this opportunity to give a whole host of local indies a chance to sell in Oxford’s historic Covered Market and create a space where they can promote their businesses and find support and advice from us and the wider Independent Oxford community.”
Rosie Jacobs, Co-Founder & Director of Independent Oxford
“It is the City Council’s ambition to nurture local independent traders across Oxford. It is therefore with great pleasure that we welcome Independent Oxford back in to the Covered Market. We hope that their presence in the market will continue to inspire local businesses across Oxford.”
Councillor Mary Clarkson, Cabinet Member for Culture and City Centre
- More articles in the news archive
- Oxford City Council news RSS feed
