Independents ‘pop up’ together

TWO independent retailers in Henley will partner up this weekend for a pop-up event.

Asquiths Bear Emporium in Hart Street will host Zoë Ferreira, of the Henley Larder, who moved her business online last year after trading in the town for four years.

The delicatessen and grocery store had been located in Bell Street and moved to a larger premises in Duke Street a year ago but then closed its doors in September.

Mrs Ferreira will be selling gift items, including food hampers and own branded items.

Rachel Hollinrake, who owns Asquiths, is “thrilled” to host the Henley Larder tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday. She said: “I think that Zoë is amazing at what she does and all the products she gets are local so I thought it was a good opportunity. We have got the space and it was lovely to have another independent in the shop just working together.

“It's nice to support her since she has moved online and hopefully it will attract people in as well for Valentine’s gifts and things like that. They might be able to buy a teddy bear and some of the items that she has got so it makes a perfect little package as a gift.

“It is definitely good to support other local businesses and it’s something we want to do a bit more of.”

Mrs Ferreira said: “Collaborating with a Henley independent business which has the same values as the Larder makes my heart happy. I’m so touched that Rachel offered this lovely opportunity.

“There will be some yummy larder treats and a gorgeous bear combo. I’ll be bringing gifting ideas as well as other general goodies.

“I can’t wait to do a pop-up and I hope to see lots of your lovely faces there.”

Mrs Ferreira, who is married to Andre, decided to go online only due to rising costs but regularly holds “pop-ups” at venues and events during the year.

The businesses will work together during Asquiths’ regular weekend opening hours of 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.