You may remember hearing about Project Pop Up. Last year was the second year that Main Street Monroe Inc. accepted applications to fill vacant storefronts in our downtown district. In 2018, Rock & Rust (located on the north side of the Square) was our first. Project Pop up was launched after nearly a year of planning with the goal of creating (temporary) retail spaces that can be used to promote and sell products of all types; those that would be unique to our area but still complementary to our many existing businesses.
The benefits of pop up shops are numerous. They allow entrepreneurs to test a business idea or test an existing business in a new market in a cost-effective manner. For all of our pop up shops, Main Street Monroe has worked with property owners to identify their needs and expectations. Just as important, we work with successful applicants to the program to create an opportunity to try out products on actual buyers during a popular time of year for shoppers. And we cover the rent. Additionally, Main Street works 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.
Last November we announced that our seasonal pop up shop, as part of Project Pop Up, would be 213 Mercantile. Located on the southeast corner of the Square where Sequel’s Fine Interiors was located for many years, 213 Mercantile brought custom made signs for the home, home goods and accessories, custom wall decals, and a lot of fun to the historic district. I’m elated to write that as of this year, they will be a permanent addition to our downtown district. Their time as a pop up shop officially ended Jan. 16.
When they opened last November, owners, Terra and Berry Junk, had the opportunity to test the market with their products; to see how well things would sell and what feedback would be like from real customers — namely, you. From a literal standpoint, 213 Mercantile is taking on a risk by having signed a long-term lease like any business does. But with the response they’ve seen from our community and its visitors, it’s not a risk, but a step toward building a stronger business. And they’re doing it in a space that fits their needs. Fun fact, the basement and back of the ground level are actually their studio for creating the custom pieces. In a relatively short and busy period of time, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. From name signs for the kids’ bedrooms, and “sprinkles are only ok on cupcakes” signs for the bathroom to throw pillows, locally sourced candles, and a garland bar, there’s a lot of great fun to be had. The garland bar rotates seasonally, so when you’re in the mood to make your own festive garland for spring, 213 Mercantile is your spot.
Economic development is a long-term strategy and results are oftentimes not seen overnight. That’s why we love Project Pop-Up. If you haven’t yet, stop in at 213 Mercantile to help welcome and meet the entrepreneurs out there who are running a wonderful new business. And expect more pop up shops from us in 2020.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net.
