Borough Kitchen’s temporary pop-up shop in Islington Square “has had a great start,” states co-founder David Caldana. The retailer plans to open in its permanent position in the new North London complex by March 2020. The new store will include a new and expanded Cook School.
David reports: “We officially opened our temporary pop-up space two weeks ago, including our full range of products. The Islington opening has been a great opportunity to work with our core partner brands on the best way to work together to market in-store as well as through email and online.”
Weekends have been “very busy” for the retail space, “with many visitors dropping in to see Islington Square, now that it has opened up after 15 years of development,” David acknowledges. The pop-up is also attracting customers that have visited other Borough Kitchen branches.
The location has particular appeal for both co-founders, as David explains: “Justin [Kowbel] and I both live a short bike-ride away, so we are even more thrilled to be here.” He adds: “We have added a few really strong team members are looking for a few more positions to be filled, to round out the team both for retail and online.”
Borough Kitchen has also moved its office, warehouse and online business to Islington Square. David explains: “We finally have the space we need to grow our team, fulfil online orders and increase the breadth of our product offering.”
Neighbouring businesses in Islington Square that have opened recently, or are due to open soon, include: The Odeon Luxe & Dine cinema, Third Space gym, Maggie & Rose member’s club, and OmNom restaurant. David notes: “These will bring increased footfall and create a further draw for the Islington Square development. The weekdays are a little quieter, but we’re working to raise awareness in the neighbourhood, supported by our landlord, with events, marketing, social media and promotions.”
He concludes: “There are some great independent retailers in this area and a lot of excellent restaurants nearby, so we’re very well positioned in Islington.”
Top: Borough Kitchen’s pop-up space in Islington Square.
