Dundas dominoes after growing shirt shop moves
The growing popularity and success of a Boro fans’ favourite has opened up opportunities for new and established traders at the Dundas Indoor Market.
ABS Football Shirts has moved out of the Market and into a bigger shop nearby.
It’s the second upgrade in just over three years for the business, run by Mark Bythway, which sells shirts and football memorabilia celebrating the past and present of Middlesbrough as well as the global game.
The shop’s transfer has had a beneficial domino effect, with traders joining forces, moving in and moving up to bigger units. ABS’ former home, in one of the Market’s most prominent positions, is also now available.
“It’s great to see Mark doing so well and staying within the Dundas family,” said Market Manager David Harris. “At the same time there’s a real positive energy about the place.”
The Hanger Shop, which sells high-quality hand-made curtains and nets from owner Mikolaj Marchewka’s native Poland, has moved to a bigger shop after less than six months of trading in the Market.
A beauty salon – Amita’s Celestial Beauty, opened by Amita Karda in 2023 – has expanded and now offers Aesthetics Treatments as well. Amita has also been joined by hair expert Lola Ayeni who set up her business Dazzle Me across the Market last year after completing a master’s degree in Design at Teesside University.
Millie’s Memorials & Gifts, run by John Hare, has taken on additional space and re-branded as Millie’s Emporium, and Baby Beautiful has again opened for business in the run up to Christmas. It has been trading from Dundas this time of year for a decade, selling the much sought-after Reborn Baby Dolls and their handmade accessories.
“Our traders provide products and services you can’t find anywhere else,” said David Harris. “You can come here if you’ve got a guitar to repair, you’re a collector of superhero comics or even if you prefer buying your meat from a family butcher rather than a supermarket.”
The Market’s businesses – often the owners’ first venture into retail – are in turn supported by being offered an all-inclusive set deal covering the costs of their rent, rates and utilities.
Dundas Market, Dundas Shopping Centre and shops in neighbouring Wilson Street and Dundas Street have the same owner and are managed on its behalf by Teesside commercial property specialists Portland Dodds Brown.
Richard Wilson, one of its partners, facilitated ABS Football Shirts’ move to Dundas Street. He described the shop as a “Mecca for all Boro fans”, adding: “This is exactly to type of entrepreneurial independent retailer we need to be supporting to help regenerate our town centres. Next time you’re in Middlesbrough please make a point to call in. It’s not just a shop, it’s a community.”