Kick-It Iowa City to Manage Downtown Pop-Up Space
– Iowa City Downtown District Partners with local Expo & Market Producers
(Iowa City, IA) May 1, 2024 – The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) announces a new collaboration with Kick-It Iowa City, expo and pop-up market producers to manage pop-up opportunities for the “In the Meantime” pilot program on S Linn St in Downtown Iowa City. Kick-It Iowa City annually works with hundreds of vendors and businesses on local expos and markets, while providing mentorship for emerging business concepts. This partnership signifies a significant milestone in the Downtown District’s ongoing commitment to nurturing downtown’s retail landscape and fostering a vibrant community of retail entrepreneurs. Starting in May, the space will open for store hours on Linn St featuring weekly vendors.
“In the Meantime,” is a pilot program by the ICDD aimed at attracting new retail concepts to downtown Iowa City by offering a platform for businesses exploring the market, hosting special events, and facilitating pop-up shops. The initiative, which commenced in April, utilizes the former, White Rabbit storefront, to provide a high-visibility brick-and-mortar space for emerging and established retailers. In addition to the pop-up shop concept, the ICDD continues to use the space for ticketed workshops featuring local businesses including Molly’s Cupcakes, Willow & Stock, Prairie Kitchen Store, and more!
Tyesha and Demetrius Perry, co-founders of Kick-It Iowa City, and Demetrius the owner and co-founder of Vice, a brick-and-mortar sneaker, streetwear, and vintage shop, have been retail mentors for dozens of entrepreneurs in the Iowa City area through their Expo and Market events at Big Grove Brewery, Xtream Arena, and Old Capitol Mall. Partnering now with the ICDD, they plan to use their connections and merchandising expertise to help support interested retail concepts and vendors using the “In the Meantime” shop. “The markets and expos we do serve as dynamic platforms for economic development, fostering, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and community engagement. We hope the businesses that pop up in the space feel that same vibe”, said Kick-it Iowa City co-founder, Tyesha Perry.
“Partnering with Tyesha and Demetrius aligns perfectly with our retail attraction initiatives. Their expansive networks and understanding of retail, not only help to make the space more desirable for tenants but provide chosen vendors the opportunity to learn from those who have experience in the space”, said Iowa City Downtown District, Executive Director, Betsy Potter.
Currently, the pop-up schedule for 112 S Linn St will feature:
- May 23rd – 26th: Catherine’s Warehouse Sale
- May 28th – June 9th: Ten Thousand Villages Pop-Up with Global Mamas
- June 13th – 15th: Vintage Pop-Up featuring ODD LUCK Vintage, Thrift Bandit, Expired Cotton, and CustaRhymes
- June 20th – 22nd: Sprii Beauty SkinCare
- June 27th – 30th: Art Exhibit: “The Art of Saying No” by Michael Stenerson
- More to be announced soon!
For more information about the “In the Meantime” pop-up opportunities, upcoming workshops, and other ICDD business attraction programs, visit downtowniowacity.com.
