Hamilton's hottest new retail space is set to open its doors to potential vendors and artists alike when Gallery 135 hosts its open house today and tomorrow.

The unique G-135 Coffee Lounge, Gallery and Retail outlet, which is due to open on November 1, offers those innovators looking to get into business a chance to establish themselves at the prime location on the corner of King and Front Streets.

The event, which runs both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will showcase the trade gallery, market, lounge and eatery for prospective entrepreneurs and exhibitors, with the opportunity to review and restore retail and other space.

Co-developer Keerome Maybury, the brains behind the project, set it up to give fellow entrepreneurs and small businesses a chance to set up their enterprises without incurring high rental costs, with the facility offering them the whole package from an aggressive marketing campaign through its website, print, radio and television media, wireless Internet access for vendors, and sales support staff on hand to run the stalls in their absence.

"People who are entrepreneurial, seek mainstream retailing options without the high risks associated with staggering rental limitations in Hamilton, compounded by ancillary overhead expenses, are able to present and retail their products and services within a business environment that suits their specific need and provides convenience," he said.

"We will be offering people weekly, monthly or quarterly leases, so there will always be something new in the retail gallery. We will also have training for internal sales staff so they are aware of retailer's product and can assist with sales and promotional support.

"The costs of establishing a retail presence in the city tends to be very prohibitive, so only people who can afford 'make that gamble' get involved in starting new companies.

"There are business savvy individuals in Bermuda can identify gaps in the market, find goods that are needed, but they just don't have the capital to move forward.

"Gallery 135 provides and real and practical opportunity to test the market. Our flexible leasing options allow for a phased approach to building and managing inventories using consumer feedback. You will not have to commit to expensive annual rental leases by going on faith that a large first shipment will sell at the anticipated rate."

Among those vendors already signed up are importers of high end African Apparel and genuine game-hide hand bags, and genuine tapestries, as well as Asian inspired home accessories and contemporary home accessories dealers, a custom jewellery manufacturer, an express Thai massage service, mosaics arts and designer quilts sellers, and a music outlet offering iTune Packages and CDs covering all genres.

As far as patrons are concerned, there will be a coffee lounge and wine bar for refreshments or just to relax after a hard day's shopping, while an art gallery will give artists an opportunity to exhibit their work.

The site itself, which is based at 135 Front Street, comprises a reclaimed 3,000-plus square-foot industrial loft with vaulted exposed wood ceilings and beams, antique chandeliers, stately columns and elegant Bermuda stone walls. It strikes a balance between old Bermuda colonial style and the contemporary Italian look.

When fully open its hours of business will be from Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., while it will be transformed into a trendy lounge on Friday and Saturday nights.

For more information about the event, e-mail orderstcbltd.com or visit www.g-135.com