Our annual small business competition - The Retail Factor - is now in it's fifth consecutive year.

The Retail Factor gives new businesses the opportunity to trade from a Retail Merchandise Unit (RMU) in one of our Malls, giving access to thousands of potential shoppers every day.  Its the perfect opportunity to start the business you've always wanted, get valuable exposure and test your product or service in a real shopping environment.

How the competition works

This years competition is now closed
Businesses which have made their region's shortlist are given free use of retail merchandising for two weeks. A panel of judges will then identify the trader or business with the most commercial potential, who will be awarded two months free rent space and the opportunity to market their business to millions of shoppers every week. After this two-month period, key business figures from The Mall including the Managing Director will identify an overall winner across its nine shopping centres. The trader will be provided with the opportunity to take a place at a prestigious week-long retail business course in Oxford at the BIRA.

Find out more about our local winners from 16th April 2012
 

2011's Winner

"Entering the Retail Factor 2011 competition was a great move for me. It has helped me get my business going in The Mall where it has benefitted enormously from the sheer numbers of potential customers, as well as from marketing and publicity. I would recommend the competition to others - the support I received has been amazing and I can't thank The Mall enough."