In early 2023, The District Downtown CID, REDI, and CMCA came together with an idea that bloomed and, in January of 2024, opened its doors to the public as The Shops at Sharp End. These organizations remain the governing body to The Shops.
Incubate retail startups in a shared space that allows them to prove their concept by selling their products and learning the necessary skills to grow their business into a viable retail operation. Programmatic aspects include workshops, training courses, coaching, peer-to-peer mentoring, and access to resources, including various funding opportunities, potential investors, scholarship opportunities, etc.
Create an attractive and inviting shared space that allows retail startups to launch successfully into brick-and-mortar and e-commerce enterprises.
Enhance our entrepreneurial climate and ecosystem; retain businesses in our community; strive for 51% minority business enterprises in The Shops at Sharp End; build and accelerate growth in the retail sector; create a pipeline for retail; develop tenants for other properties downtown and throughout the region; generate additional demand for retail space; transform the pedestrian experience around passive buildings (i.e., 5th Street and Walnut Garage); create jobs in our community; and, diversify our local economy.
Trade and Industry Development recognized The Shops at Sharp End in their Community Impact Category in the Q2 publication of the magazine.
Find out more about The Shops at Sharp End and how to become a participant.
