AN up-and-coming Kendal fashion designer is singing the praises of the town's pop-up shop after enjoying a bumper sales month.

Stuart Pearce, 26, has seen his 54 Floral brand fly off the shelves since boosting his market presence by spending a month in the Finkle Street store, leased for a discounted rate from South Lakeland District Council.

The entrepreneurial former Queen Katherine School pupil, who has a combined Instagram and Facebook following of more than 18,000 people, said: "The pop-up shop has done its job in making people believe the brand has got legs. It appeals to customers who like to come in and try clothes on before they buy and it also gives you an idea of how the store would work if you did set-up in Kendal full-time."

Mr Pearce's range of t-shirts, hoodies, hats and bags have been picked-up by Mr Gee's, which has stores in Kendal, Bowness and Barrow, Brighton-based company Thomas Gunn and an Australian store called Statement, based in Sydney.

He has also secured a solid business relationship with Urban Celebrity, a successful online fashion store run by Levens' Steve Kitchen, who are hoping to open a shop in Kendal in the near future.

Mr Pearce is also planning on using a pop-up space in Manchester and Soho, London, later this year.

The 26-year-old, who is returning to the shop for a week on April 2 to team-up with local hairdresser Ky Wilson, is excited about the prospect of his brand being at the forefront of what could be a fashion revolution in Kendal.

He said: "It's nice that Kendal is known for scenic views and agriculture but it's even better to see it becoming known for something a bit different, like young fashion."

Despite his best sales month to date, it has not always been easy for Mr Pearce, who set up his business age 25 with £100 when his account was already overdrawn.

"I was on the train going back to university in Newcastle and it was dark and depressing," he said.

"I scribbled down a name and spray painted my first shirt on my bed that night."

But since taking the brave leap into business, Mr Pearce has not looked back and even turned down a serious approach for a stake in his business after seeking advice from Dragons' Den star Touker Suleyman, who said: "Don't give away any of your business, it will work out in the end."

As well as offering the pop-up shop for just £50 a week, SLDC also provide tenants with free business advice sessions.

The message from Mr Pearce for new businesses looking to use the store is clear: "It's minimal risk - just do it."

Visit www.54floralclothing.co.uk to see the brand.