‘Small businesses need more than applause; they need real support’A new Thrive Street pop-up market has landed in Manchester for this weekend only(Image: Kris Piotrowski Photography)
A popular retailer and consultant hailed as the ‘Queen of Shops’ has curated a new pop-up market that will be in Manchester this weekend.
Mary Portas OBE, who has served as a former creative director of Harvey Nichols and has also fronted a series of TV documentary shows, today appeared in the city centre to officially unveil the market celebrating some of the UK’s most exciting businesses.
Thrive Street, which is located within the Altogether Otherwise community hub on Hanover Street in the NOMA district, will run until Sunday (October 19) and will be a chance for people to shop and support local brands.
Mary, 65, handpicked 15 small businesses who have become known for their unique, one-of-a-kind items to showcase at the pop-up event across the weekend, which is being held with the support of Mastercard and Worldpay.
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Mary Portas OBE, who curated the market, officially opened the pop-up today(Image: Kris Piotrowski Photography)
Amongst the retailers taking part are Leeds-based online bakery kitchen The Biskery, and Mademoiselle Macaron, from Edinburgh. Welsh homeware store Lotti & Wren will also be appearing at the pop-up market, alongside Manchester’s own Mouse Kingdom liqueurs and SOAKED umbrellas.
Thrive Market will be free to enter, and will be open until 4pm on Sunday giving shoppers enough of a chance to stock up on goods from small businesses across the country ahead of Christmas.
“Small and growing businesses are the beating heart of our economy and the soul of our communities,” Mary said. “They bring creativity, culture, and character to our high streets – and they need more than applause; they need real support.”
Mouse Kingdom Liqueurs, who are based on Temperance Street in Manchester, will be taking part in the weekend pop-up market(Image: Kris Piotrowski Photography)
The business expert added that she hopes Thrive Market, which is situated near Victoria Station, will become a space ‘where brilliant independent brands can come together, be seen, be supported, and show the world what the future of business truly looks like’.
Simon Forbes, Division President at Mastercard UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to bring Thrive Street to Manchester, an industrious city abuzz with creativity and whose people love to shop small and local.
“By supporting local independents, people are doing more than merely making purchases – they’re investing in their neighbourhoods. Thrive Street 2025 puts this spirit into action, and we’re proud to champion the businesses powering Britain’s high streets.”
Mary Portas OBE said the event was about giving ‘real support’ to small businesses(Image: Kris Piotrowski Photography)
Chris Wood, General Manager for Worldpay SMB International, added: “Bringing Thrive Street to Manchester is about celebrating the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that lies at the heart of the North. Manchester’s vibrant independent retail scene is a testament to the city’s energy, resilience, and creativity.”
Thrive Street will be open until 6pm on Friday, between 10am and 6pm on Saturday and then will finish up on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Altogether Otherwise, 6-10 Hanover Street, Manchester, M4 4BB.
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