Solar-Powered Pop-Up-Shop for London Entrepreneurs

Creative entrepreneurs aren’t exactly having an easy go at things during this recession. It’s hard to find a good retail space that’s affordable and accessible to a wide range of consumers. But now, thanks to an innovative – and green – invention by designer Wayne Hemingway and London mayor Boris Johnson, they’ve got a portable place to sell their wares with virtually no overhead costs. The KiosKiosk is a rent-free space with solar panels to power laptops, lights and even a sewing machine.

From Jamble Mag, via Green Living Ideas:

Businesses signed up for the kiosk include Jamble favorites, Above & Below London, the makers of recycled tube shoes. Other creatives include the Arthouse, who exhibit and sell art work created by adults with learning disabilities, and Invisible Children, a charity focused on spreading awareness of child soldiers in Africa.

On the launch of the KiosKiosk, Wayne Hemingway, said: ‘We believe that the KiosKiosk concept is a simple and cost effective way to spice up our towns and cities. This architecturally interesting, easy to construct retail space, gives entrepreneurs and creative minds a chance to have a go and put their ideas in front of the public to encourage an enterprise culture. This also adds excitement to our streets. We’ve been overwhelmed by the phenomenal response to our call for KiosKiosk occupants proving through this experiment, that the demand and talent is out there.’

If you’re in London, check out the calendar on the KiosKiosk website to see which vendors will be occupying the space through the end of summer.

What a gem – there’s no reason why this concept can’t be spread to cities all over the world. Not only does it give small businesses lots of exposure, it’s cool design and eco-friendly to boot! What’s not to love?

Link [Jamble Mag] + [KiosKiosk] via [Green Living Ideas]

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