Stack Seaburn is a shipping container village of 12 units that opened on the seafront in September 2020, and is already a huge hit. The Sunderland Echo reports that it managed to attract 700,000 people in the last year, despite the difficulties of the pandemic.
All 12 units are fully let to independent local business, who have been carefully selected to provide a blend of food, entertainment, and retail. The site at the former Seaburn Centre employs over 200 people, and can hold up to 2,000 people when no restrictions are in force.
Gemma Dishman, marketing and special projects manager for the Danieli Group which owns Stack, said: “It was very important to us from the outset that we attracted businesses for the external units that would not offer traditional retail products which are, increasingly being purchased online.”
She added: “Our focus has been on recruiting lifestyle businesses such as the barbershop and brow bar, or Woofs N Scruffs who complement their traditional retail offer of dog supplies with dog grooming and self-serve dog baths.”
The units are affordable for young entrepreneurs and start-ups, such as Laura Benson, a brow bar owner, aged just 19. Laura has been given advice and encouragement from the Stack business and marketing team.
Danieli Group CEO, Neil Winch, said: “Stack is a hub where independent businesses can prosper and we do everything we can to drive footfall to the venue to ensure they all have the opportunity for success.”
The owners hope to expand the business next year, with more containers, and space for events and exhibitions. Stack is part of a wider scheme to regenerate the Sunderland seafront at the twin resorts of Roker and Seaburn, which stretch along 2.5km of coastline, and were once thriving holiday destinations.
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