BUSINESSES from Somerset looking for a new sales outlet for their food, garden, kitchen, home and lifestyle products are invited to a new traders’ day at The Emporium Somerset in Wellington.

The store, which already includes 40 plus shops and thousands of stylish homeware and gift items, many made nearby, wants more traders and is hosting an open day event on Thursday, July 14.

Co-owner, Cato Cooper explained: “As we now have three floors and have re-jigged our units, we’re looking for more people from all over Somerset and even into Devon who would like to take a unit here and sell their locally-made products to our customers. We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who makes their own home, garden, kitchen, food and lifestyle items.

“We’d like to showcase some of the very best Somerset, Devon, Westcountry and British crafts, and to offer people more opportunities to buy unusual yet affordable, items all under the same roof.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who would like to take a unit that may not make their own products, but is based in the area, and wants to take the next step in their business development.

“They may not necessarily want to take on their own full-blown shop with all the associated costs and responsibilities. So this might just be the perfect step for someone who already trades online but wants a High Street presence too. The shop is run full time by myself and my husband Sean, so anyone who joins us won’t need to be in full time, they will just need to pop in to re-stock.”

The team at The Emporium Somerset will be hosting its Meet the Maker event from 11am until 7pm on Thursday, July 14, but people are welcome to call if they cannot attend and arrange a more convenient date afterwards.

As well as helping run the whole store, Cato has her own painted furniture and home accessories studio and workshop at the front of the Emporium.

Cato added: “We’re keen to meet with card makers, woodworkers, designers, food producers, glass workers, illustrators, knitters, potters, sewing geniuses and anyone who has gorgeous products they would like us to help sell under our roof.”

The Emporium already houses a large collection of individual traders selling mostly hand-crafted and Fair Trade products.

“We have our own brand identity and all new traders are expected to meet certain criteria before being selected to join us so that we ensure the look and integrity of our space remains the same. We’re also very conscious that we need to give great quality and value for money to all our loyal customers too. So we’re looking for some really special people with exceptional products to join us.”

“If people have full-time jobs during the day, then we can be flexible, please just ask.”

For further details, please call The Emporium Somerset on 01823 660076, email info@theemporiumsomerset.co.uk or visit www.theemporiumsomerset.co.uk.