Two Andover businesses to open new shop

CJM Eyewear and Sweet Ideas will open their new shared premises at 40 Bridge Street, Andover, at 11am tomorrow (Saturday, June 18).

The two businesses from the Andover BID’s Shared Shop scheme are moving after successfully developing from the start-up incubator programme.

CJM Eyewear is run by Carol Miller, and Sweet Ideas is run by Jo Tierney.

Jo Tierney from Sweet ideas at her new shop at 40 Bridge Street Andover

Carol and Jo said: “We are grateful to the BID for helping us establish ourselves and supporting us through our journey.

“It was just the start we needed and would not have been possible on our own. Nothing has been too much trouble for them, and they have been professional and supportive throughout our journey, helping us find our new premises, which are ideal for what we intend to develop now."

The new shops at 40 Bridge Street Andover

The Shared Shop scheme was launched by BID to offer a start-up incubator unit for small or fledgling businesses from in or around Andover.

The original concept was to provide six-eight new or fledgling local independent businesses that produce, make or sell high-quality artisan-style inspirational products with a platform to promote their products in a shared retail environment and facilitate their growth to a place where they can take up their premises in the town centre.

The businesses were sought and encouraged to come together to trade and share the facility. BID worked closely with them to provide marketing and business support and the opportunity to experience retailing in the town.

Eight businesses originally shared the facility. Two other businesses – Andover Tap by Tim Abraham and Wessex Spirits by Kate Griffin – have already developed and progressed into their own premises at the Lamb Inn, which had previously been empty.

Steve Godwin, BID manager, said: "The Shared Shop as our retail incubator has been a successful model, and we are proud to have developed something which has allowed fledgling businesses to experience retailing, working together in a shared environment.

“Through this opportunity, five of the original eight businesses have moved into their premises, one of the main aims of establishing the unit. Retailing has changed dramatically, but the high street and Andover in particular still offers opportunities and great potential for independent traders. Since covid restrictions were lifted, local people have taken up the challenge to 'support local'.

“BID is currently looking at whether we can repeat the model."

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