Ankorstore partners with Mary Portas

European curated marketplace, Ankorstore, has announced its brand partnership with retail expert and broadcaster, Mary Portas, in an effort to “advocate” for independent retailers and brands across Britain. This partnership is said to arm businesses with the tools and technology needed to thrive, while the brand’s platform has reportedly evolved from a B2B online marketplace to “a thriving ecosystem that empowers brands and retailers to grow freely, embrace creativity and stay competitive”. Reportedly, this summer marks Ankorstore’s first anniversary in the UK since its launch, having seen “explosive growth” and amassing over 200,000 retailers and over 15,000 brands in the European region. It is also reported that the brand reached ‘unicorn status’ this January after amassing a valuation of €1.75bn (£1.4bn). Mary Portas, who has been recognised as the UK’s foremost authority on retail and brand communication, was recently announced as the co-chair of the Better Business Act (BBA) campaign, which called on the government to amend the law governing how companies are run to “better reflect their social and environmental responsibilities”. Portas will reportedly collaborate with Ankorstore on a range of campaignable moments to “pioneer” the evolution of independent retail and support in leading the charge for real change in the industry. The collaboration will consist of reports and trend forecasts, as well as an exclusive roundtable with Portas for retailers and media. An engaging content series with an aim to inform and inspire budding new entrepreneurs is also in the works. Jina Kwon, deputy general manager at Ankorstore UK, said: “As a European curated marketplace for independent retailers and brands, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with British retail expert Mary Portas. "Our mission is to level the playing field for small and independent retailers who are the backbone of the UK economy, especially after the hardships of Brexit and Covid, to ensure a more evenly balanced retail ecosystem. We are excited to have Mary on board as we work to give our growing community the tools they need to thrive.” Portas added: “I’ve always championed independent retail as the key to thriving local high streets and our communities. I believe it is such an exciting time for independent brands and retailers and I’m thrilled to partner with Ankorstore, a brand that genuinely shares my vision and ambition for this sector.”