Finalists for John Lewis’ ‘PitchUp’ initiative announced

High street retailer John Lewis has revealed the 12 finalists of its 2014 ‘PitchUp’ competition; an annual initiative which offers retail entrepreneurs the opportunity to get their products stocked on its shelves.

Backed by national pop-up shop campaign PopUp Britain, the 12 start-ups will now receive retail mentoring in order to get them ready to pitch their products to a panel of John Lewis buyers at the chain’s head office on August 1.

Intended to support British innovation and give retailers their “first taste of the high street”, the finalists include lightweight luggage solution Gate 8, children’s board game Blank, and cycle safety light specialist Veglo.

Ranging from sportstwear to wrapping paper, the 12 ‘PitchUp’ retail finalists are:

• Gate 8
• Identity Papers
• Veglo
• Lexie Sport
• G-hold
• Smoo
• Pretty Athletic
• Squidkids
• Popcord
• Daniel Harkin
• Fiendishly Fabulous
• Bildy

John Lewis’ head of brand innovation, Matt Hully, said:

“We are delighted with the initial response to this year’s PitchUp, with a record number of applicants. We have a very exciting set of finalists, and look forward to welcoming them […] and hearing their pitches.”

PopUp Britain manager, Becky Jones, added:

“Getting a chance to pitch your product to a panel of John Lewis buyers is every entrepreneur’s dream – a fact reflected in the number of applicants we had this year – almost 700.”