Passage pop-up shop showcases local craft

A CHRISTMAS pop-up shop in the Cork harbour town of Passage West is providing people with the opportunity to purchase handmade craft, design, and artisan food gifts.

The aim of the collective is to support local creative businesses in the Passage West and Lower Harbour region, selling Cork gifts just in time for Christmas shopping.

It is a community and creative enterprise with crafters and makers coming together in a premises at 3 Main St.

Formally launched by Cllr Joe Harris, the shop has been open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm and is open all through Christmas Week for last-minute shoppers.

The group of nine designers and makers are thrilled with the sales and the support given by the local Passage West community.

Artist Corrine Leyland said: “Some of our local craft makers have actually sold out of stock, with new craft and designs on our shelves each week.”

Local representative Cllr Marcia D’Alton said: “Speaking of shelves, we are indebted to Passage West residents Aiden O’Leary from Celtic Interiors and Marc Linehan who willingly gave of their expertise and time free of charge to develop bespoke display spaces in the shop.

“In fact, at every step of the shop’s development we have been blown away by the goodwill shown to this social enterprise and to the concept of promoting Passage West as a shopping destination,” she said.

The group of designers, makers, craftspersons, and artists settled on the 3 Main St unit rent-free from the owner, John Daly. For many years, John produced handcrafted stained glass out of this shop premises.

This retail collective is humbled and delighted with the support also given by local businesses and residents to the new pop-up gift shop.

“Everyone in the town has been so good to us, our neighbours on the street have been great, and it is heartening to see local residents and visitors choosing to purchase handmade unique gifts for Christmas,” said Linda O’Callaghan.

The group has plans for 2019, providing the opportunity for craft demonstrations and exhibitions to be held in Passage West and further afield.