08 March, 2010
Luton shoppers are being encouraged to support Urban Jewellery, the first of four local finalists in the Make Your Mark in Retail 2010 competition, as the business trades for a nerve-wracking two week competition period from a retail merchandising unit (RMU) in The Mall Luton.
Urban Jewellery, an already well established business which has been trading in Luton's Indoor Market for six years, will trade from the 1st to the 14th March 2010 from an RMU just outside WH Smith and JJB Sports in the shopping centre.
This bespoke jewellery and watch specialist is owned by 41 year old Habib Habchi. "The business began after my wife returned from a holiday in Turkey with a suitcase full of stunning jewellery. We wanted to share the beauty of the treasured Turkish stones, so we founded Urban Jewellery" explained Habib. The business started as a hobby but grew over the years, particularly after he diversified into watch repairs, jewellery repairs, jewellery re-modelling and watch battery replacement.
With an average footfall of approximately 420,000 in The Mall Luton per week and an RMU in a prime location, Habib is very excited about the opportunity to present his business to a larger audience. Whether or not he wins the competition, Habib still has big plans for the future, including launching an e-commerce site for his products, "like all businesses, I still hope to expand, and if I can use the internet for my business then I believe I still have more to give" he explains.
The other three finalists from The Mall Luton are: Plumbun from Luton, Humbers Homemade from Flitwick, and Inanna from Radlett. The Mall Luton received 15 entries in total, more than any other Mall in the UK, and the judges had a very difficult job narrowing it down to only four.
These four local finalists now have to compete against each other by completing a successful two week trading period on an RMU in the shopping centre. The contestants get to use the unit free of charge, whilst the judges evaluate them for their sales success, customer service and retailing skills. After these two weeks of trading the winning finalist from The Mall Luton will go through to the national heat. The overall prize consists of over £15,000 in business support including 6 months free trading in The Mall Luton and much more. The local winner will be announced on 13th April 2010. However, whether or not they win the competition, each finalist gets an invaluable opportunity to maximise exposure of their business.
Urban Jewellery will continue to trade from its location in the Luton Indoor Market throughout the competition and can be contacted on 01582 402 979.
Ends. Notes to Editors: The Make Your Mark in Retail competition gives entrants the opportunity to test their business on a Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) and the outstanding candidate is rewarded a 'retail start up package' that includes:
• Six months rent free trading on an RMU • Hands on support from The Mall • A business mentor from The Royal Bank of Scotland • A place at the British Shops & Stores Association Summer School at Keble College Oxford • A place at the National Skills Academy Retail Masterclass
The Mall is the leading owner and operator of community shopping centres in the UK. The Mall currently owns 19 shopping malls throughout the UK and sees around 4 million shopping visits a week. The Mall Fund is a specialist property fund managed by Capital & Regional. Aviva Investors is Fund Manager.
The Mall, Luton houses over 120 retailers and sits in the heart of the town centre in Luton. The £20m redevelopment of The Mall Luton, due to end autumn 2010, is currently taking place to remodel the St. George's Square end of the centre. The redevelopment will provide over 75,000 sq ft of high-quality new shopping, with cafes and restaurants opening onto the recently redeveloped square. The Mall is committed to Luton as a major destination and is confident this development will provide the best possible shopping experience. The business has already secured TK Maxx as an anchor tenant in this new development.
Visit www.themall.co.uk - Shopping as it should be
This press release has been written and distributed by Flowing Ink. For more information or images please call Danielle on 01582 487223 or email danielle@flowingink.co.uk.
www.flowingink.co.uk.
Ref: TML/MR011
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