The Love Portsmouth pop-up shop at Gunwharf Quays is celebrating its final weekend of trading after a highly successful six-month run, having successfully supported over 30 local businesses whilst attracting thousands of visitors and far exceeding all original expectations set.
The Portsmouth City Council initiative, delivered alongside Love Southsea and backed by Landsec, has proven remarkably popular since its January 2025 launch. Initially planned as a three-month venture, the shop’s success prompted a three-month extension, providing local businesses with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their products within a premium retail setting.
The venture has fostered significant innovation and partnerships, including notable collaborations such as The Fossil Thief—a joint project between Staggeringly Good Brewery and two additional Portsmouth enterprises. Another successful partnership created Ummi Chai, featuring tea blends from Tea Mountain and Road from Karachi, alongside beauty products developed through a collaboration between Goly Natural and Road from Karachi.
The shop has also featured exclusive Portsmouth-themed merchandise developed by Love Southsea and served as the official retail outlet for Portsmouth Pride 2025 merchandise.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council Leader with responsibility for economic development, commented: “The Love Portsmouth pop-up has provided an excellent platform for showcasing our city’s entrepreneurial talent. Beyond helping small businesses flourish, it has injected fresh energy into our local economy. We’re delighted with the achievements and are considering ways to expand this success to support additional local talent.”
Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, remarked: “Over the past six months, the Love Portsmouth pop-up has achieved remarkable success. This initiative has offered an excellent platform for more than 30 local businesses to thrive within a premium retail environment whilst bringing unique energy and diverse offerings to our visitors. We’re delighted to have supported this valuable project highlighting Portsmouth’s dynamic entrepreneurial character.”
The shop features carefully selected high-quality products from local Portsmouth businesses, including natural skincare from Goly Natural, handcrafted jewellery from Wild Jewellery, premium teas from Tea Mountain, luxury handcrafted candles from Salt and Blossom, sustainable designer fashion from SpottandHerbert, Portsmouth Pride 2025 merchandise, and distinctive children’s clothing from Little Loves Apparel. Local artists have also displayed their creations.
Lulu Whitmore, Love Southsea Director, stated: “Delivering Love Portsmouth has been tremendously rewarding. The public’s enthusiasm for supporting local businesses and the participating businesses’ success has been outstanding.”
The Love Portsmouth pop-up shop, funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, will close its doors at 6pm on Monday 30th June.
