Coming (very) soon – the CiB shop

CiB shop front

A few weeks ago I wrote a post called Next steps for CiB in which I mentioned a few of the plans I had for this website. Buried in the final paragraph was the line:

A shop’s looking likely too

Now, I meant an online shop. However, pretty soon Created in Birmingham is going to have it’s own unit in the Bullring.

That’s the one in the picture, sandwiched between Faith and Miss Selfridges, opposite H&M. The place is kitted out with most of the backline equipment needed (there’s a till and a staff room and everything!) and all it really needs is a lick of paint and a bit of a clean.

Details are just being finalised but it looks like everything’s going to happen very quickly – I was only offered it on Monday and I could have the keys as soon as tomorrow.

The question everyone asks is…

‘What are you going to sell?’

Well, broadly speaking I want the shop to be kinda like this website – a platform for local artistic and creative talent (although the net will probably be widened a little). Best of all, it’s a chance to put some independent art and craft right in one of the busiest parts of the city centre.

For starters we’ll be looking at illustration, photography, paintings, t-shirts, books and zines. The idea is to get the walls covered with excellent stuff and build from there. Maybe have a few little events to keep things interesting.

Inspiration-wise, the shop will owe a small (and strictly metaphorical) debt to the likes of Grand Opening, Magma, NoiseLab, My Yard, planeshop and more generally the sort of stuff you’ll find in the Space Makers Network.

Want to get involved?

Excellent! Just give me a couple of days to get things sorted first (sign contracts, etc) and I’ll let you know how you can do that.

As a heads up, pretty soon I’m going to need staff to help run the place, volunteers to plug the gaps, furniture, a man with a van, suggestions for events and, of course, stock. I’ll put a post up about that stuff later, maybe shift it onto a dedicated CiB shop website.

I’ll also need some encouraging words and strong coffee.

Thanks

I’d just like to put in an early thank you to the people at the Bullring who are giving us two things – a prime piece of real estate and a fantastic opportunity.

30 Comments

  2. Can’t wait to see it! Are you open to submissions for work? If you do a call for entries give me a shot and I’ll forward it through my blog also!

  4. Cheers guys. Help will most likely be requested at some point!

    James – that’d be cool. It’ll take me a day or two to work out what I’m looking for but I’ll definitely be asking for things.

  5. that’s pretty amazing! i’d be interested in knowing when there will be a call for submissions as well. i’m a photographer and would love to contribute in some way. :)

    congratulations.

  8. Charlotte Payne

    This great news! Birmingham NEEDS more independent shops etc. Have you thought about selling CDs too? I know they’re a bit old fashioned but it would be great to have some where to come and get CDs by Birminghams unsigned talent.

  9. Sparkly Ruth

    This is going to be really awesome! I’d really like to get involved too, feel free to get in touch Chris :-)

  12. Fantastic. Cannot wait to visit and have a look around. Exciting times. If you need any help or submissions feel free to give me a bell. All the best. Dave

  16. Deborette

    Sounds GREAT!! I have recently subscribed to your page…Im well impressed, i hope the shop is a great success. Good luck!

  17. Cool idea. I have nothing to offer in support but my wallet. I will gladly buy stuff from your shop and aim to become a repeat customer in between liberal doses of browsing. Shopping is good.

  18. Hannah #laverack

    Hi, I’m a hige fan of CIB, and this sounds like an amazing venture! if you do need staff, please get in touch! It would be great to work for an enterprise I am enthusiastic about and believe in!

  19. Hi, I’m really happy to hear about this! If there is anything I can help with; I work in interior design and can get hold of decorative items i.e. paper/paint and contacts for builders etc, please get in touch. I would love to help make a success of something independent in Birmingham.
    Laura

  20. Blimey! You’re bonkers! I wish you the best of luck. I have the greatest of faith and highest respect for you and think after so much >talk< about the creative industry its great to see someone with balls actually doing something. This could be a great thing for city and a fantastic catalyst.

    I have little to offer, but if you need any help with the online side of the shop I'll offer all the support I can. Hosting, PCI DSS compliance help, red tape etc, just give me a yell

  22. Thanks for all the comments and support! I signed the tenancy yesterday (and even held the key for a bit!) so now I’m just working on a feasible opening date. More info soon come…

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