MONROE — Monroe Main Street is taking on a less-traditional approach when it comes to economic development and is welcoming at least two stores from their Project Pop Up program that’s now fully underway after years in the making. 

Monroe Main Street Executive Director Jordan Nordby said Monroe is mimicking their program after one in Viroqua and is something the group has discussed for about two years. 

Project Pop Up allows businesses that have otherwise been inside a home or online try out a store front free of rent for three months. This allows them to try out products on actual buyers during a popular time of year for shoppers. It fills up the downtown area and the shops then have an option to stay after the program concludes.

“We have a goal of filling empty store fronts and giving people another reason to come downtown,” Nordby said.

The Economic Restructuring Committee, filled with business people with a wide range of experience, was restarted specifically to help implement the project.  

“This felt like the best thing to do to test the waters,” Nordby said.

When sisters Valerie Reichling and Danielle Bailey saw the Facebook post offering up the program, they decided to fill out an application. They had been operating their store, Enchanted Sisters Boutique, for about two years out of their home and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to test the waters of a storefront. 

“We decided to go for it — we applied and met with Kristi Smith from Rainbow Confections who really helped us with our business plan,” Reichling said. 

The store opened Oct. 13 at 1115 16th Avenue and features affordable clothing, scarves, accessories and quirky gift items. New inventory arrives weekly, Reichling said.

Having their own space has been a dream come true for the duo. She said they hope to offer items shoppers won’t see anywhere else without going online, and almost every item is under $30. Reichling said if things go well, they have permission from their landlord to stay. 

The goal for the shops isn’t just short-term planning, Nordby said. He hopes that the businesses can come up with a plan that lasts long term. Applicants were asked to provide details on experience, a marketing plan, plans for events, staff and inventory numbers. 

Another store that will open around Dec. 1 is Rock and Rust, relocating after being in downtown Freeport for about two years. Owner Nita Klein said when she initially saw the opportunity she didn’t think it would be a good fit. 

However, after Main Street Monroe decided to work with her to allow time for her to shop and build for her store, she was all in. She and her daughter, Carly Klein, operate the store that features upcycled furniture, vintage finds and vinyl. They also offer custom builds and make farmhouse tables and benches for customers.

Although they weren’t looking to move from Freeport, Nita Klein said they weren’t seeing as much foot traffic as they had hoped at empty storefronts around them. They also enjoy Monroe, and feel the Square will offer a nice fit for their wares. They have a three-year lease for the building and are waiting to move in for remodeling to be complete. 

“I think because of the tourist attraction (in Monroe), our store will draw people in,” Nita Klein said.

The duo is anxious to get started and were known in Freeport for their popular store front window displays, winning first place in the Best of Freeport competition. Carly also works part time at Colony Brands, which makes the location convenient. 

Nordby said they hoped for stores that complimented what Monroe already offers as well as provide new things to have a “healthy mix” in its downtown. Local people were considered a plus. 

He said the results were even more successful than they had hoped and the group scanned through five “top-notch” applicants before choosing ones that marked a good fit. 

“We wanted one — but we got two,” Nordby said of the Project Pop Up shops. “On all fronts it’s been really successful.”

There will be a third business coming in the winter/spring, although it’s not ready to be released, he said. There will also likely be more storefronts opening to offer more opportunity for businesses in the future.