Originally launched in January 2025 for a three-month period, the shop’s popularity led to a three-month extension. In total, over 30 Portsmouth-based businesses have benefited from the opportunity to showcase and sell their products in a premium retail environment.

The shop has been a springboard for innovation and collaboration. Highlights include:

• The launch of The Fossil Thief, a new venture by Staggeringly Good Brewery in collaboration with two more Portsmouth businesses.
• The creation of Ummi Chai, a tea blend created by a collaboration between Tea Mountain and Road from Karachi and Ummi Chai beauty products – a collaboration of Goly Natural and Road from Karachi.
• Exclusive Portsmouth-themed merchandise developed by Love Southsea.
• Serving as the official retail outlet for Portsmouth Pride 2025 merchandise.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for economic development said: The Love Portsmouth pop-up has been a fantastic showcase of our city’s entrepreneurial spirit. It’s not only helped small businesses grow but also brought a new energy to our local economy. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and are exploring how we can build on this success to support even more local talent.

Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays added: The Love Portsmouth pop up has been an incredible success over the last six months. The initiative has not only provided a brilliant platform for over 30 local businesses to flourish in a premium retail environment but has also brought a unique energy and diverse offering to our guests. We’re proud to have supported such a valuable project that showcases the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Portsmouth.”

The Love Portsmouth shop showcases a curated selection of high-quality goods produced by local Portsmouth businesses including natural skincare by Goly Natural, handcrafted jewellery by Wild Jewellery, quality teas by Tea Mountain, handcrafted luxury candles by Salt and Blossom, sustainable designer fashion by SpottandHerbert, merchandise for Portsmouth Pride 2025 and unique children’s clothing by Little Loves Apparel. Local artists also showcased their work.

Lulu Whitmore, Director of Love Southsea, said: Love Portsmouth has been a joy to deliver. The response from the public to buy local and the success of the businesses involved has been fantastic.

The Love Portsmouth pop up shop was funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and will close at 6pm on Monday 30 June. There will be a wrap party on 27 June from 4-6pm to celebrate the success of the pop-up shop.

For more information visit rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk/love-portsmouth