TWO MALVERN traders joined forces to set up a tasty event aimed at keeping the town’s independent stores alive.
Tanya Trotman from Malvern Cycles CIC teamed up with Sophie Ching from Sweet and Sour Kraut in Malvern Link to organise a supper evening on Friday (November 1) to help the town’s struggling shops.
The Malvern Cycles shop, based on Worcester Road, transformed into a pop-up kitchen and café and provided visitors with the opportunity to try a sample of unique continental foods which are available to buy at Sophie’s shop.
The pair’s efforts were rewarded after more than 40 people attended the first supper evening. And there was more success the following day as Sophie’s shop saw a significant increase in trade compared to previous days.
Speaking to the Observer, Tanya said the event had been a huge success.
“Independent retailers are struggling on our High Street because most people shop in the supermarkets for all their food and household supplies.
“Sophie’s shop sells foods which can’t be purchased elsewhere and because of the popularity of supermarkets it has been struggling in recent times.
“Therefore it is vital for us to do something unique and a little bit different to attract customers into our shops. Retailers need to work together if they want to compete in this current climate.
“The evening was a great success and it got to a point where we had to turn some people away because there were not enough spaces. It proved a very busy day for us both but to see so many people there and enjoy themselves made it worth it.
“It is important that we keep offering something unique and interesting so people can have a choice.”
Malvern Cycles will be hosting another similar supper event on Friday, December 6. For more information call 01684 577238.
