Sunderland's Pop Recs launches online shop of Mackem merchandise

Community culture venue Pop Recs has proved a hit with its range of Mackem merchandise.
Merchandise available from the online Pop Recs storeMerchandise available from the online Pop Recs store
Merchandise available from the online Pop Recs store

Items with a local flavour, including T-shirts, tote bags and mugs bearing ‘Sun’Lun’ and ‘Pop Recs’ slogans, have sold out in less than 24 hours after Pop Recs launched an online shop to help ensure its survival during lockdown.

Established by members of Sunderland band Frankie & the Heartstrings, Pop Recs in Stockton Road is a multi-purpose site housing a coffee shop, record shop, gig space and meeting place for various community and arts groups.

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A heart condition means owner Dave Harper has to shield during lockdown which means opening the shop, even with social distancing isn’t safe. Instead, he launched an online shop selling items designed by local artists, as well as HasBean coffee which is produced by an SAFC fan.

Dave Harper at the Pop Recs in High Street West, Sunderland.Dave Harper at the Pop Recs in High Street West, Sunderland.
Dave Harper at the Pop Recs in High Street West, Sunderland.

It’s proved so popular it’s sold out of stock less than 24 hours after launching, with a second batch on order.

“I was expecting the Sun’Lun stuff to be the most popular, but it was actually the baby pink Pop Recs t-shirt that sold out first,” he explained.

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“We only received the Government grant for one of the premises and I don’t qualify for the furlough scheme as I’m recently self-employed, so our income stopped,” Dave explained. “Pop Recs has always had to adapt, so this is just another way we’ve done that.”

Some of the Sunderland merchandise availableSome of the Sunderland merchandise available
Some of the Sunderland merchandise available

As well as a re-stock of existing items, there’s plans for more designs to be released on the online store.

“I’m chuffed with the response,” Dave said. “I think when people buy something from us they realise they’re doing something good and that the money all stays in Sunderland.”

You can visit the Pop Recs online store at poprecs.co.uk

It comes as the Sunderland Echo is running our #SupportLocal campaign aimed at promoting the amazing things our local businesses are doing at this difficult time.

The Pop Recs t-shirt has proved one of the best sellersThe Pop Recs t-shirt has proved one of the best sellers
The Pop Recs t-shirt has proved one of the best sellers

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