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Creative students to launch 'pop-up shop' through industry-focused initiative

The Nottingham Trent University decorative arts students are opening the 'pop-up shop' in a vacant unit for six weeks as part of a commercially-focused module which involves them launching their own designs.

The shop - Made In Nottingham Trent (MINT) - will open on 21 April in the former Pier store space on the upper floor and sell a range of products including jewellery and accessories, glassware, ceramics and textiles. The initiative is part of the University's pioneering live trading module, an alternative to the traditional dissertation which acknowledges that many students on the course are designers and makers who go on to launch their own business after graduation.

Almost half of students on the course have opted for the live trading module and will be involved in managing the shop. They will be assessed on elements such as putting together a viable business plan for their products, the quality of their product launch, and the creation of a blog documenting their experience.

The shop, which has been refurbished with the support of a grant from Nottingham City Council, will be open Thursday and Friday 9.30 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm. As well as the opportunity to buy handmade, one-off designs, customers will also be able to meet with the student designers and order bespoke pieces.

Student Rosie Norman, who will be selling a collection of fashion accessories including headwear and scarves, said: 'This module was just perfect for me as I want to start my own business as soon as I leave university. A lot of extremely hard work has already gone into setting up the shop but it has been a great experience so far and now I can't wait to get in there and start selling my merchandise. It really is a great opportunity for me to see firsthand exactly what running my own store would entail and all the challenges that come along with that.'

Decorative arts course leader, Lharne Shaw, from Nottingham Trent University's School of Art and Design, said: 'We are keen to ensure that students who want to launch their own business are suitably prepared for the difficult task ahead and it is hoped that this module will introduce them to some of the real opportunities and challenges that they will face in industry.

'They will be responsible for controlling their marketing, accounts and pricing, investigating sources and suppliers, and generating interest from their prospective customer base. It is great for students that we are able to offer them a choice between this commercially-focused route and the traditional academic dissertation.'

Source:www.ntu.ac.uk|

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