New pop-up bazaar features fashion, gifts and prisoners’ upcycled furniture

The Lincolnite went for a sneak preview of the new pop-up shop in Waterside selling movie merchandise, gifts and even furniture that has been upcycled by inmates from Lincoln prison.

As previously reported, the St Barnabas pop-up shop will open in the nearly 8,000 square foot unit next to New Look on Monday, February 18 until the end of March.

The shop will open Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm and on Sundays 10.30am-4.30pm.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

It is currently due to be open until the end of March, but there could be scope for it to be extended slightly longer if it proves successful.

There will be a variety of exciting sections to browse including items for Harry Potter and Game of Thrones fans, wedding dresses, crockery, clothing and vintage and second-hand goodies.

The shop will also act as a free social space for people to read, play on games consoles or enjoy a match of ping pong or pool.

The shop will be split into different sections – kids vintage, vintage crockery, evening wear, wedding dresses, ladies wear, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, tropical picnic garden area, gaming, reading and more.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There will also be lots of new stock including homeware and handbags. There will be a huge canvas wall with pictures including DC, Marvel, Game of Thrones and more for people to buy.

Everything in the shop will be available to buy except for the games consoles and games. They won’t be available to buy until the shop closes.

Staff already part of St Barnabas shops (both paid and volunteers) will run the shop – two to three people at a time.

Upcycled furniture

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There is also an exciting community section with some unique furniture pieces available to buy in the shop.

Workshop Instructor at Lincoln Prison Julie Coulten told The Lincolnite: “I am a keen craft person and felt there was a niche market to bring in a new social enterprise scheme.

“I contacted St Barnabas who were keen to get on board and donated some old furniture to us in November. Prisoners have painted and upcycled the furniture, giving them new skills and confidence.

“It is an ongoing scheme and I hope it grows with time and we will continue to produce more products for the shop.”