Life is full of paradoxes. Like empty storefronts. A storefront represents the past and future simultaneously: nostalgia for what it used to be and hope for what it could become. Ultimately, empty storefronts are possibilities. Amazing things happen when new life is breathed into a space. Empty storefronts can define a block or even an entire neighborhood. Fortunately, a quick stroll around the Main Street Monroe Historic District shows we don’t have many retail spaces for rent. But there are always a few. That’s why Main Street Monroe launched Project Pop-Up.
Project Pop-Up is a straightforward concept. Main Street Monroe pays 3 months’ rent to give local entrepreneurs the jump-start they need to open a brick-and-mortar. Last years’ Project Pop-Up stores — Rock & Rust and Enchanted Sisters Boutique — signed long-term leases and made downtown Monroe their home. We’re now accepting applications for Project Pop-Up 2019.
From an economic development stand point, Project Pop-Up helps the entire community. It entices local residents and visitors into storefronts they may not have entered for years and adds a spark of newness and excitement. Project Pop-Up keeps the downtown vibrant and alive, while creating a stronger, more diverse retail and service industry. Main Street’s Economic Development Committee — comprised of local realtors, merchants, and business owners with 20 plus years of experience — reviews all applications for acceptance. We’re looking for people who want to open a permanent business but haven’t taken that next step. Economic development is usually “behind-the-scenes” work, studying consumer habits, customer demographics and what types of businesses are needed/wanted. It is long-term strategy and results are oftentimes not seen overnight. That’s why we love Project Pop-Up. It’s the “overnight sensation” that satisfies our need to see results. And we can’t wait to meet the entrepreneurs out there who want to join the downtown district.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to try out products on actual buyers during a popular time of year for shoppers. Additionally, Main Street will work with each individual business to address any and all needs, including: marketing plans, plans for events and experiential promotions, staffing and inventory numbers. By focusing on such things, we have created a system that helps mitigate, if not remove, many of the unknowns that can stop people from becoming local business owners.
Main Street Monroe is accepting applications for this year’s pop up shops from now until July 30. Accepted applicants will have rent provided from October through December of this year. For more information and to apply, visit mainstreetmonroe.org or call 608-328-4023.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net.
