Pop-Up Store Coming to Walnut Street

Pop-up stores first began appearing in the U.S. in 1999 when a Los Angeles-based company called Vacant sought a way to promote its limited edition products. Usually appearing around the holidays, these short-term retail spaces can benefit well-established brands looking to boost new products, or amateur designers and artists seeking greater exposure. They can also bolster a community’s economy.

Two Montclair entrepreneurs are taking that idea to Walnut Street. Selma Avdicevic (owner of Woolly Boo) and Helene Richman (owner of brandhelene) have announced Montclair Pop-Up 2013, a 1,300 square foot space that will open Nov. 22 at 102 Walnut Street. The two hope the store, a block from the Walnut Street station, will breathe new life into empty retail spaces and reimagine their potential.

“Walnut Street has always been a gem, but the economic downturn has affected the neighborhood,” they wrote in a press release issued earlier this week. “Many new eateries have since invested in this area, yet it is still lacking diversity in retail.”

Montclair Pop‐Up will be curated to compliment the residential and existing retail spaces, they say, and will help to increase the neighborhood profile by positioning Walnut Street as more than a “restaurant row.” It will feature artisanal goods and products, most of them made locally.

If you are interested in having your work appear at Montclair Pop-Up, Avdicevic and Richman will hold open calls for local artists, artisans, crafters, designer/makers and musicians on Nov. 2, 3 and 5. Click here to sign up for a dedicated time slot.

Avdicevic tells Baristanet that there is no limit on the number of vendors who can participate.

“We are curating the shop based on the selection of the local artisans that decide to take part,” she says. “Those accepted will have their products in the store for the duration of the pop-up.”