Starting life at street markets
Sustainable clothing company The Bay Clothing started life as a trader at our Uplands Market and Mumbles Market in 2020.
After testing their products at the street markets, they soon recognised a demand for their clothing range and began plans to expand.
Pop-up shop in High Street
They recently received support from another Urban Foundry project, PopUp Wales, which matched them to their first pop-up shop in High Street Arcade in Swansea. This allows them to test-trade before committing to a permanent bricks-and-mortar shop.
Eco-friendly ethics
Run by Max Howell, The Bay Clothing prides itself on being as eco-friendly as possible. All their clothing is made from recycled organic cotton, and they print with vegan water-based inks in a solar-powered shipping container workshop on the Summit Good initiative in Dunvant.
Max designs hats, jackets, shorts, and t-shirts, each piece featuring an original design. Ethically minded, only one size of each design is stocked in the shop, so customers place orders avoiding surplus stock. Misprints are also sold to ensure there is no waste.
Supporting local businesses
Max Howell, owner of The Bay Clothing, said, “I am very happy to work with Urban Foundry, who share my ethical values. They have supported me throughout my journey from street markets to this new pop-up shop. The new shop has been very successful, and there is real excitement about my clothing. PopUp Wales is a brilliant initiative, allowing us to test-trade and scale our businesses without some of the risks that most new businesses face.”
Gareth Willis-Falco, PopUp Wales Project Manager, said, “We helped Max secure the space and offered support. The business’s ethical heart really aligns with Urban Foundry’s own ethos. We’re a B Corp and believe that business should be used as a force for good too. Supporting Max in his journey to success has been a pleasure, and his clothing is incredible. I can’t wait to see where we help him pop up next.”
The benefits of PopUp Wales
The long-term benefits of PopUp Wales have already been seen in other areas, such as Swansea and Bridgend. It enhances public perception of town centres, supports start-ups and businesses, and revitalises empty shops.
The project has also created jobs and saved landlords over £500,000 in business rates. It has recently launched in Bargoed and Carmarthenshire too.
Visit Bay Clothing
There are other excellent shops in the Arcade, and it is really thriving; there are exciting plans to reopen the third floor.
The High Street, in general, is buzzing with confidence. It’s creative, eclectic, and thriving. Urban Foundry is glad to contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.
Bay Clothing (open Thursday – Saturday from 11am – 4pm)
High Street Arcade
10-11 High Street
Swansea
SA1 1LE
For more information, contact info@popupwales.com or visit www.popupwales.com.
