Storybox grows from studio to shop at Portview
Storybox NI expanded its Portview presence in 2024, adding a public-facing shop to its studio and creating a new space for ethical gifting, workshops and local makers.
In 2024, Storybox NI took another step in its development at Portview by opening a public-facing shop alongside its existing studio space.
The Community Interest Company had already built its business around curated gifts featuring products from local makers, small businesses and social enterprises. The new shop created a permanent place where customers could browse those products in person while giving Storybox more room to develop workshops, events and corporate gifting.
Two months after opening, Storybox described the shop as a community hub within Portview, with plans already in place for creative workshops, pop-ups and seasonal events.
The business also strengthened the social-purpose element of its offer, using sales to support local causes while continuing to create routes to market for independent makers and ethical products.
Storybox’s growth is a good example of the kind of business journey Portview can support. A studio can become a shop; a product business can become a place for workshops and collaboration; and a tenant can create opportunities for other local businesses at the same time.
Today, Storybox continues to operate both its studio and retail space at Portview, combining gifting, community activity and support for local makers.
