Landsec and Completely Retail Marketplace join forces to launch competition for disruptive brands and start-ups

Landsec and Completely Retail Marketplace (CRMP) have today launched a new competition to give disruptive brands and start-ups the chance to win a pop-up space at one of Landsec’s leading retail destinations.

Landsec, one of the UK’s largest commercial property developers and investors, has teamed up with CRMP to invite up-and-coming brands which have yet to launch a physical store to convince judges – including former winner of The Apprentice Carina Lepore – that their business should occupy a pop-up space at one of the REIT’s shopping destinations.

Free for brands to enter, the competition will take place during CRMP at Old Billingsgate Market on 26th April, where shortlisted candidates will present from the Soapbox Stage – one of the event’s most highly anticipated features, which provides a platform for innovative new start-ups and brands.

Candidates will be asked to give a four-minute presentation to a judging panel made up of leading industry professionals, including retail and brand experts from Landsec as well as former winner of The Apprentice and founder of Dough Artisan Bakehouse Carina Lepore, in addition to a targeted audience of retail property professionals.

Entrants will be judged against criteria that asses the innovativeness, creativity and commercial viability of their business offers. The winner will be able to choose from a range of Landsec locations across the UK to set up their pop-up shop.

Dom Millar, CEO of The Completely Group and the organisers of Completely Retail Marketplace, said: “Over the past six months, our retail property listings portal has seen a huge increase in demand from emerging and digital-native brands looking for physical retail space, allowing customers to physically interact with their products and services.

“Soapbox, coupled with the new competition in association with Landsec, will provide an unmissable opportunity for the winning brand to enjoy the benefits of setting up shop at a prime retail location within the extensive Landsec portfolio.

“We are extremely excited to be working with Landsec and welcoming some exciting new home-grown entrepreneurs to the event.”

Nik Porter, Head of Retail Brand Account Management at Landsec, added: “Retail destinations are increasingly attracting unique, independent brands to complement and diversify their offering - providing guests with greater choice by locating challenger and start-up brands alongside globally-recognised flagships.

“We’re excited to hear from a host of exciting brands bringing new ideas to retail, and we look forward to welcoming the winner into one of our destinations.”

The competition is open to non-F&B brands and start-ups, which can apply by visiting www.crmarketplace.com/soapbox/#tell-your-story.

The Completely Retail Marketplace retail property leasing event provides a platform for brands to meet with retail property professionals in a physical environment, make invaluable connections and ultimately expand their business plans across the UK.

Now celebrating its 10th year, the bi-yearly event continues to go from strength to strength, attracting some of the biggest names in commercial real estate, the retail sector as well as independent brands and start-ups.