Just in time for the holiday season, TechTown Detroit is transforming a section of its Junction 440 co-working space into a weekly retail pop-up. The SHOP @ TechTown Detroit launched Dec. 2 and is featuring a sampling of fine goods from small businesses in TechTown's Retail Boot Camp and SWOT City entrepreneurship programs, as well as other independent local retailers.
"The SHOP is part of TechTown's mission to support neighborhood small businesses and the local economy," says Diane Love-Suvada, TechTown's director of events and community engagement. "The SHOP offers local retailers the opportunity to test their market, their products and their salesmanship in a low-risk setting, while providing Midtown with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience."
The SHOP's vendors will rotate weekly. On Dec. 9, The SHOP will feature three graduates from TechTown's most recent Retail Boot Camp: Mama Coo's Boutique, which will feature handmade, found-object and vintage goods; MOR & Co., which sells outdoor lifestyle gear for city dwellers; and D Jewelry, which puts a spotlight on the Old English D.
On Dec. 16, The SHOP will include Mutual Adoration, which sells frames and home furnishings made from reclaimed wood; Natural Market's line of aromatherapy candles and natural bath and body products; and Danni Little, known for its handmade wooden jewelry and crocheted hats and scarves.
The SHOP will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Dec. 2 and will be complemented by The Fueling Station, TechTown's pop-up breakfast and lunch spot. The SHOP is located on the ground floor of TechTown Detroit, located at 440 Burroughs in Detroit.
Local retailers interested in becoming a SHOP or Fueling Station vendor may contact Diane Love-Suvada at diane@techtowndetroit.org or 313-483-1302.