‘Absolutely amazing’ response to new design store on historic Glasgow shopping street
“It shows that when you create a space that celebrates authenticity, quality, and Scottish creativity, customers respond in droves” – Lynzi Leroy
The Scottish Design Exchange has announced one of its most successful summers thanks to a 60 per cent increase in trade following the launch of its new Glasgow outlet.
The social enterprise, which provides a high street presence for hundreds of artists and creators, recorded sales of £2.5 million in the three months to the end of August across its three stores, as well as through online sales. The strong quarter follows the launch of the venture’s new store on Sauchiehall Street where some artists saw their revenue grow by more than 80 per cent.
The community interest company’s two Edinburgh stores, on George Street and the Royal Mile, also experienced one of their most successful trading periods.
Earlier this year, the 11-year-old Scottish Design Exchange (SDX) announced that it had surpassed a landmark payment of £25m to independent artists, craftspeople, and producers, with one in five earning more than £40,000-a-year.
SDX founder and chief executive Lynzi Leroy said the stores continued to buck negative trends on the high street, proving that community-driven retail can thrive.
“The response has been absolutely amazing,” she said. “To see sales up 60 per cent in our Glasgow store and to watch our artists’ hard work translate into real financial success is everything we hoped for when we opened. It shows that when you create a space that celebrates authenticity, quality, and Scottish creativity, customers respond in droves.”
SDX was created to allow fashion designers, artists, textile and jewellery designers, publishers, photographers, and other producers to display their creations to high street customers, without having to pay high commission rates demanded by galleries. Tenants pay a fixed fee to rent space, while retaining all their sales revenues.
The Glasgow store relocated from Buchanan Galleries to its new home on Sauchiehall Street this spring.
The Edinburgh Tron operation is said to have enjoyed a record-breaking year, further cementing the organisation’s reputation as a transformative force in Scottish retail.
“The Scottish Design Exchange is showing what’s possible when you prioritise people over profit and creativity over conformity,” added Leroy. “We’re proving that Scottish artists can thrive, that the high street can be revitalised, and that communities can build something lasting together.
“Since moving into the Sauchiehall Street store, we’ve had local businesses offering help, welcoming gifts, and genuine enthusiasm for what we’re doing.”
Among SDX’s successful traders is artist Sophy Louise, who has seen her monthly sales surge across Glasgow and Edinburgh.
She said: “We have been in SDX for a couple of years. I have found the team to be incredibly helpful and encouraging - they truly look after the artists involved. Moving to larger spaces within the stores in June has made a fantastic impact, and we look forward to continuing to work with SDX in the years to come.”
Trista Yen, a children’s author and illustrator who trades under the brand Miss Noproblem, added: “Being part of SDX has given me the opportunity to reach customers I might never have reached on my own.”
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