Last chance to pop in and pick up the perfect Christmas present in Mid and East Antrim

Shoppers have just days to pick up a special Christmas present from Mid and East Antrim's fabulous pop-up shops.

Based in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus, the shops are brimming with a wide range of bespoke offerings which would make the ideal gift this festive season.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, with support from the Department for Communities, reinvented three previously empty units to not only revitalise the high street’s appearance, but provide an opportunity for local traders and groups to showcase their products and skills.

The shops have been designed with a range of multi-functional display fittings, fixtures, shelves and tables.

They have been proving a hit with shoppers in the three towns in recent weeks - with those still on the hunt for presents advised to pop in now before the shops close for Christmas.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said: "I've been delighted to stop by and see the excellent range of goods on offer at our pop-up shops in the Borough.

"The pop-up shop initiative is a year-long project, and it's fantastic that 10 community groups and an entrepreneur have already availed of the scheme.

"The units currently house businesses signed up to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Start-up in Retail Programme. This project is enabling start-up businesses to test trade on the high street with minimal risks and costs."

In Ballymena, participants include Jam & Thread, Jordain Molloy Gillen, Bijou by Gaia, Polly Gribben Artist, and Willow & Greene. It is open from 10am each day.

Larne features Streamlined Openwater Swim Coaching, Michele Margaret Artist and Willow & Greene. It is open from 10am until 1.30pm each day.

The Carrickfergus shop (open from 10am until 4pm Tuesday to Saturday) is home to Kith and Kin, Laced with Love NI, Skye Springer, Just a Little Thought by Elaine, Crafted in the Heights, and Willow & Greene.

The units can be found at 33-35 High Street Carrickfergus, 20 Main Street, in Larne and Ballymena's Tower Centre.

The Mayor added: "Pop-up shops are an exciting global trend in retail and food business. They are a great outlet for innovation and creativity, and can be a good first step for an entrepreneur to test the waters."

Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey added: “The pop-up shops project in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area has demonstrated how our space on the high street can be versatile to meet a range of needs. The pop-up shops not only create interest but also allow new businesses a cost effective way to test their market. It is an excellent example of how the COVID-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme is helping to create opportunities for recovery across our town centres.”

There are plans for another retail programme to take place in March next year and bookings have already been received for community group residencies up to Easter 2022.

Any group interested in occupying a pop-up shop should contact Linda.Stevenson@midandeastantrim.gov.uk