Designed to offer local businesses, the opportunity to take their business to the next level, Derbion’s ‘Hatch’ scheme, now in its fourth year, provides small businesses with the chance to open a retail space within the centre for six weeks, completely rent free.
Following a competitive pitch process, a Derby-based duo have won the opportunity to expand their unique clothing business, 1NE., and open a store at Derbion. The Derbion location will be the second store in the city and will offer shoppers an all new shopping experience.
1NE. was established by friends Daniel Bennett and Alex Mcleod, after seizing the opportunity to sell trainers and retro clothing in a small space above a hairdressers, which they outgrew within six months and upsized to their Saddler Gate location. The sustainable clothing business offers a wide collection of authentic, pre-loved and deadstock pieces, including footwear, collectables and accessories, alongside personalised soft furnishings including rugs, and aims to inspire and help shoppers build a sustainable and desirable wardrobe.
Curating stock from private collections, rare store finds and vintage pieces, 1NE.’s in-store selection of products is ever-changing and ever-growing, ensuring there’s plenty of exclusive and sought-after pieces to shop and discover. The 1NE. store also offer an in-store trainer cleaning service that encourages customers to give their existing collection another lease of life before buying a new pair.
The competition has enjoyed great success since its launch in 2019, with one of the winning businesses – Design 44 – still open at the centre to-date. The initiative has also provided local brands including Project D, The Hair Repair Club, and Katie Astle, with the opportunity to open their first physical presence in a shopping centre.
Daniel Bennett and Alex Mcleod, Managing Directors of 1NE. Derby, said: “Winning the Hatch competition is an amazing opportunity for us to further grow our brand and introduce a variety of new people to what we do. We can't wait to bring something different into the centre and show people a new style of retail.”
Beth McDonald, Managing Director of Derbion, said: “We’re excited to welcome 1NE. to Derbion later this year! Our Hatch initiative is a great way for us to give local, independent businesses the support they need to take the next step up – with a popular store in the city already, a space in Derbion feels like a fantastic next step for 1NE., who are already a much-loved local business.
“We know that our customers are always on the lookout for up-and-coming brands to enjoy alongside our breadth of major retailers, and Daniel and Alex really impressed the judges with their strong business vision and unique offering. We’d like to wish them a huge congratulations and we’re confident that 1NE. will be a big hit with our visitors.