Independent makers, artisan producers and local businesses are set to take over The Courtyard in Fareham Shopping Centre this festive season as Flo’s Pop-Up makes its debut in the town centre.

Created by Portchester and Gosport market organiser Helen Ruff, the new venture will bring together a carefully curated collection of Hampshire-based traders, offering visitors a unique festive shopping experience while helping to breathe new life into a vacant town centre unit.  The initiative is being supported by Fareham Borough Council and Fareham Shopping Centre as part of wider efforts to encourage footfall and create fresh reasons to visit Fareham town centre.

Flo’s Pop-Up @ The Courtyard will be based within The Courtyard unit in Fareham Shopping Centre and will trade across each weekend from November through to Christmas. Shoppers can expect a mix of gifts, crafts, artisan food and drink, alongside workshops and special seasonal activities. The pop-up will also form part of the shopping centre’s ‘Festive Thursdays’ programme in December.

The project is the latest example of how vacant space within the town centre is being used in new and creative ways, helping to support local businesses, attract visitors and add vibrancy to the shopping centre during one of the busiest retail periods of the year.

Councillor Simon Martin, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to support Flo’s Pop-Up @ The Courtyard and welcome another exciting use for a vacant town centre unit. It’s exactly the kind of creative and flexible use that helps bring vibrancy and activity into our town centre while longer-term regeneration plans continue to progress.”

The pop-up will be curated by Helen Ruff, who will invite traders through her extensive network of contacts developed through her magazine ‘Flo’s Mag’, organising markets and supporting independent businesses across the area. The focus will be on Hampshire-based makers, artisans, food producers and specialist retailers, creating a distinctive festive shopping experience that complements the wider town centre offer.

Helen said: “I’m thrilled to be bringing Flo’s Pop-Up @ The Courtyard to Fareham this Christmas. Over the years I’ve built relationships with a fantastic community of makers, producers and independent businesses, and I’m excited to bring many of them together under one roof in Fareham. The pop-up will give visitors the chance to discover unique local products, find special gifts and enjoy a different shopping experience, while helping small businesses reach new customers during the festive season.”

Further details, including participating traders, workshops and festive events, will be announced ahead of the launch later this year.