Retail space innovator Sook set to open in Southampton

Published by

Sam Pither

Sook, a full-service retail space operator, is preparing to open in Southampton’s Westquay next month.

Sook rents out retail space for as little as a day, providing tech and logistical support to help businesses set up pop-up retail stores.

To celebrate the opening of its Southampton store, the company is offering one local business a free day in its new location. Until 9 September, local companies can enter Sook’s free competition, with the winner given the full Sook experience.

Sook’s founder, John Hoyle, said: “We are excited to launch Sook in Southampton and to bring our flexible retail space to Westquay.

"There has been a boom in online-only sellers in recent years - but many are now looking for 'real life' opportunities where they can open a short-term physical store to help grow their business and meet customers without the expensive overheads.

"Our spaces offer everything these online retailers need and more, including modular furniture, digital screens and adjustable window displays to fully brand the space, so businesses can take over a space for a few hours, days, or weeks to suit their needs - and all they need to do is turn up with their products.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to launch this new space than to create a competition for businesses in the local area, giving them the chance to test out our space for free, and to see how they can grow their business with a physical space.”

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.