“Time flies when you’re having fun,” and for the retail incubator Soapbox tenants this is certainly true. Only a year ago we were celebrating the official launch of the space dedicated to local entrepreneurship and community development while offering visitors a unique retail experience. How has the vibrant space changed, what has been the experiences of the businesses here, and what are the plans for the future? Bazaar headed over to Mezzanine 1 of Promenade Mall to take a look at the ever-changing Soapbox.
The first thing you notice when entering, is the Sleepy Camel at the other end of the expansive hall that is Soapbox. No desert crossing Camelus Dromedarius, this instead is an oasis, and the newest tenant in the space. This delightfully named café offers you all the typical beverages to be expected, coffee and tea for example, but what makes this concept extra special is that your chosen drink can be topped off with camel milk! There is also a line-up of intriguing apparatus with lab-like beakers laid out on the breakfast-bar of the café, where you can sit on a high stool and watch your slow drip or even cold brew coffee materialize. But the best thing about this café is the sheer joy that the staff greet you with, excited to tell you about the five different milk options available to you and the ways in which they can brew you up your favorite cup of Joe.
A super success story is Najla Boutique, where you can find a number of exquisite dresses for any special occasion in bold styles and colors. By being given a platform through which they could showcase their fashion forward event gowns they have now moved on to larger premises on the mezzanine floor of Promenade Mall to meet the demands of an ever-growing clientele. From a corner unit in Soapbox to being able to shop with the Najla style team from 10am until 10pm every day; this is a happy progression story that this retail incubator is all about.
It’s also lovely to see that the concept UNIT has moved from a kiosk into its own actual Soapbox unit where they can display even more of their home accessories, designed and manufactured in Kuwait. Customizable creative design is what they are best at, and you can see more of their ideas and products in a space where they can celebrate their love of modern design mixed with Arabic tradition. Check out the remarkable UNIT mabakhir, incense burners, for affordable gifting ideas.
It is never too late to be considered by Soapbox to be taken under their mentoring wing, nurtured, enjoy low overheads and flexible terms and have access to the e-commerce portal through which tenants have access to a wider audience. Just apply online through www.applyforabox.com where they are always on the lookout for new opportunities. Even if your business may not be suitable for a unit, they won’t fail to point you in the right direction or may have other opportunities elsewhere. Such is the case with Biohydro. Even though never actually in Soapbox, just by association Soapbox has been a platform for success for this hydroponics business. the folks behind the hanging flower gazebo that was a feature on opening night, have now set up a substantial kiosk on the first floor within Promenade Mall offering plants, shrubbery and other botanical delights. This will massively enhance exposure of their Farm to Table concept, and the potential to expand their business is huge.
Soapbox has deliberately rethought the layout of the main hall. By moving around the furnishings, the area seems spacious yet cozy within smaller sections. So, while the open plan is maintained, several different groups can occupy the space without impeding on each other. It is the ideal space for you to hold meetings, or have a small gathering of friends or colleagues, especially with the café now there. With large tables as well as massive sofas and even a swing, there are a multitude of ways for you to be able to enjoy Soapbox for hours at a time. And don’t forget you can shop here too of course, from clothing to stationery, and toys!
To apply for a space at Soapbox or for more information visit www.applyforabox.com. For more Soapbox news follow @soapboxkw on Instagram and Facebook. The Promenade is located on 3rd Ring Road, opposite Qadsiya and can be easily accessed by road and the local public transport system. For more on The Promenade’s activities and events follow them on Instagram @thepromenadekw or call 2227 7130. For the Promenade Culture Centre follow them on Instagram @promenadeculturecentre.
