Independent womenswear retailer Portofolio has expanded within The Darwin shopping centre in Shrewsbury, moving into a standalone store on the upper level of the centre.
After almost five and a half years of trading within The Collective independent traders’ hub on the centre’s ground floor, Portofolio has moved into a larger, prominent space that allows the business to grow and reach even more customers.
The new location places the brand alongside established national retailers, marking a significant milestone for the independent business.
The Collective has played a key role in nurturing small businesses since its establishment, providing an accessible and supportive environment for start-ups.
Reflecting on the brand’s time in The Collective, the owner of Portofolio, Georgia Bikakis, said:
“Being a part of The Collective was like being in a community of small businesses. I would definitely recommend a new independent business to start their journey here. It’s affordable and a brilliant location to start.
“Having a physical store on the upper level of the centre is the greatest location we could ever wish for. Setting up next to multinational brands like this has been a lifelong dream for me. Portofolio was created in The Collective and, with the help of the management team, it is where it is today. They acknowledged our vision and helped us build the foundation of our dream in creating a women’s clothing store.”
Known for its personalised approach, Portofolio prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service. The store’s main priority is its customers, working with every individual to find the right outfit for them. Georgia has been working in retail for most of her life, and making her customers feel and look amazing is her lifelong goal and she looks forward to welcoming both returning and new shoppers into its expanded space.
Kevin Lockwood, Centre Manager of The Darwin, said:
“We’re delighted to see Portofolio take this exciting next step. The Collective is designed to support independent businesses as they grow, and Portofolio is a fantastic example of that success. Georgia’s commitment to customer service and clear vision for the brand has helped her build a loyal following, and we are confident the brand will continue to thrive in this new location.”
The Darwin proudly champions local, independent brands and has helped businesses open their first permanent bricks and mortar stores by offering them affordable and flexible leasing terms.
The Collective has become a prominent destination in Shrewsbury for people looking for something unique, local and special. The space – which was formerly home to QVC – can house up to 11 independent businesses. If you are interested in having a space in The Collective, please contact [email protected].
