2018 Downtown Colorado Springs Holiday Pop Up Shop Program
Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs is now accepting applications for its fifth annual Holiday Pop Up Shop program. The Holiday Pop Up Shop program is an opportunity for growing retailers to test the Downtown Colorado Springs market as a viable option for a brick and mortar location while contributing to the consumer experience during one of our busiest shopping seasons.
How does it work?
Interested retailers are asked to submit an application to Downtown Partnership staff by 12 p.m. on Friday, September 28. Applications are judged based on the following criteria:
- The appeal of how the store and its product(s) add to the overall mix for holiday shoppers.
- How well the proposed concept works in synergy with current full-time tenants.
- The ability to add excitement to the festive holiday atmosphere through in-store events, social media and promotion.
- The viability of the business concept and ability to generate revenue.
- The likelihood of the participant establishing a long term presence Downtown.
- The quality of the overall aesthetic and design.
- The store’s ability to occupy available spaces.
Selected retailers will be offered a two-month lease at a discounted rate to occupy a vacant retail space in the Downtown core. Participating retailers will be required to proactively market their store and operate during peak hours from November 1-December 30, and will be supported by programmatic marketing efforts from Downtown Partnership staff.
History of the Program
Launched in 2014, the Holiday Pop Up Shop program was initially conceived as a creative strategy for attracting new retail concepts to Downtown while also filling vacant spaces during the holidays. By featuring more than 50 unique retail brands and concepts through the program over the past 4 years, the Downtown Partnership has supported new concepts opening, and vacant spaces being filled at record pace.
Today, we aim to leverage the program for a 5th year and are targeting growing and established retailers that will enhance the Downtown shopping experience this holiday season. If you have a unique retail concept and an interest in expanding into a rapidly evolving urban market, then the Holiday Pop Up Shop program is a great step towards establishing a long-term presence in the heart of America’s “most-desirable” city.
Doing Business in Downtown Colorado Springs
In 2018, Colorado Springs has been named the “#2 Best Place to Live” and “#1 Most Desirable Place to Live” by U.S. News & World Report. A major reemergence of Downtown as the cultural and economic hub of the city has driven Colorado Springs recent ascent on the national stage.
With more than $600 million in current real estate development, a population of over 80,000 in the market area, a rapidly expanding hospitality industry, 800 thousand visitors per year and a Downtown workforce of 30,000 strong, Downtown offers a dynamic customer base for growing retailers.
Apply Now
Download the FAQs and application.
Deadline to apply: 12 p.m. Friday, September 28
Questions can be directed to Sarah Humbargar, Vice President of Development Services, at sarah@downtowncs.com or by phone at 719-886-0088.