Ashford Designer Outlet Partners with Black Core Kent to Champion Local Black-Owned Businesses

Written By Venicia Gaul

Kent, U.K., 11 August 2026 -Ashford Designer Outlet has partnered with Black Core Kent to host the Black Core Kent Pop-up Market, a two-week retail activation from 18 to 31 August 2026 to celebrate Black-owned businesses and create meaningful opportunities for independent entrepreneurs.

The pop-up market will bring a carefully curated selection of Black-owned businesses into one of the South East's leading retail destinations, giving visitors the opportunity to discover unique local brands while directly supporting independent entrepreneurs from across the county.

Organised in partnership with Black Core Kent, the pop-up market will feature a rotating line-up of businesses spanning skincare, aromatherapy, home fragrance, natural wellness and artisan beverages. Throughout the two-week event, visitors to the outlet will have the opportunity to meet the founders behind the brands, hear their stories and shop directly from the diverse collection of local independent businesses.

More than a retail pop-up, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting local enterprise, celebrating entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for small businesses to grow. By opening its space to Black-owned businesses, Ashford Designer Outlet is helping connect local entrepreneurs with new customers while reinforcing its role as an active contributor to Kent's business community.

This collaboration also reflects Black Core Kent's wider mission to celebrate culture, strengthen community and create opportunities through initiatives that increase visibility, foster meaningful partnerships and support long-term business growth.

Peter Heritage, Centre Manager at Ashford Designer Outlet, said:

"At Ashford Designer Outlet, we are committed to supporting our local community and creating experiences that reflect the diversity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Kent. This partnership with Black Core Kent is one of the ways we continue that commitment by creating opportunities for independent businesses to connect with new customers in a vibrant retail environment. We hope our guests enjoy discovering these brands and the inspiring people behind them."

Jo Oluwo, Founder and Director of Black Core Kent, said:

"At Black Core Kent, we believe visibility should lead to opportunity. That's why we are dedicated to creating pathways for Black-owned businesses across Kent to achieve sustainable growth through wider exposure, strategic partnerships and access to new customers. This partnership with Ashford Designer Outlet is an example of what's possible when organisations come together with a shared commitment to creating opportunities that extend beyond a single event."

Grace Crofton, Director of Black Core Kent, added:

"The Black Core Kent Pop-up Market will give visitors to Ashford Designer Outlet the chance to discover businesses they may not encounter in their day-to-day shopping journey while allowing our entrepreneur partners the opportunity to engage directly with customers in one of Kent's busiest retail destinations. We are very excited to bring this experience to the outlet’s visitors and showcase our local homegrown businesses, each offering a unique brand experience."

Visitors to Ashford Designer Outlet can explore a changing selection of businesses throughout the two-week event, with participating brands rotating across the programme, ensuring there is always something new to discover.

BLACK CORE KENT POP-UP MARKET VENDOR SCHEDULE

About Ashford Designer Outlet

Ashford Designer Outlet is one of the South East's leading retail destinations, home to more than 100 premium and designer brands. Located just over 30 minutes from London St Pancras by high-speed rail, the outlet welcomes visitors from Kent, London and international destinations, offering year-round shopping, dining and community experiences.

About Black Core Kent

Black Core Kent is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that celebrates, supports and empowers Black and Brown communities across Kent. Through community gatherings, cultural events and initiatives that champion local businesses and creatives, the organisation creates opportunities for people to connect, culture to be celebrated and communities to grow stronger together.

Venicia Gaul
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