MONROE — A new business, 213 Mercantile, has joined the Main Street Monroe Historic Downtown District as part of Main Street Monroe’s Project Pop Up. The project, which first launched last year, works to fill vacant storefronts in the district with businesses that are either new or new to the area.
“We’re very fortunate that there really aren’t (many) existing empty storefronts downtown, but our goal is to create an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to create a space that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to,” Jordan Nordby, executive director of Main Street Monroe, said.
Pop-up shops have become more common as many businesses start online. Main Street had an application process this summer that required submitting a business and marketing plan and accepted applicants are given support as needed.
“The flexibility comes in that this is a three-month program, specifically geared toward the busy Christmas shopping season and retail stores. The stores are able to see how well things come to life once they are in a brick and mortar location,” Nordby said.
Main Street covers the cost of rent and provides assistance free of charge.
213 Mercantile specializes in custom sign décor for the home and also sells regionally sourced candles, home accent items, and seasonal items like snowmen. It is run by Terra Junk and her husband Barry, both of whom realized their passion for owning their own business and left corporate jobs as their online sales took off. The new space, formerly home to Sequels Fine Interiors, includes a work space for both.
Customization includes stain color, font type, size and frame. Pieces can also include 3D aspects. The pop-up will be open until Jan. 15, but the goal is to sign a long-term lease as Rock & Rust, last year’s pop-up shop, did.
213 Mercantile is located at 1024 17th Avenue on the southeast corner of the Square and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. It will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Shop Small Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 for Main Street’s Lighted Christmas Parade.
