Ontario’s pop-up retail program attracts businesses downtown

Jonas and Eva (Grello-) Nakas have worked the art festival circuit for years, selling fanzines and designer pieces, while dreaming of one day having a storefront in which they could showcase local artists and help inspire others to express their creativity.

Thanks to a pilot program launched by the City of Ontario, they’re living their dream in the heart of historic Euclid Boulevard, where Craft Collective proudly displays, and markets, dozens of one-of-a-kind pieces from the Nakas’ network of artists.

The store is located at 137 N. Euclid Blvd. in a building that once housed Gemmel’s Home Medical Equipment. Under the pilot program, entrepreneurs are offered the opportunity to establish pop-up stores in vacant locations for up to six months, at a rental fee of $1 per month. The idea is to encourage creative and innovative retail opportunities as part of the City’s downtown renaissance.

“We’re really happy with what the city is doing. We’re excited to be part of the revival of downtown and to elevate the local arts community,” Jonas said. “Right now, we have about 40 vendors in here, and we get new ones every week.”

Eva, who grew up in Ontario, sees their store as an opportunity to connect local artists with one another – “a place where people want to come together and showcase their work. This is a great program, and we want to pay it forward by helping others.”

The Downtown Ontario Retail Pop-Up Program is available to specialty food and retail establishments and supports small businesses looking to grow into a brick-and-mortar store. The city sought a mix of creative and innovative businesses interested in testing their concepts and new products, and eventually opening a permanent location as part of the City’s Downtown Activation Strategy. Two doors down from Craft Collective is Street Culture Boutique, another small business participating in the Retail Pop-Up program. Founded by three homegrown entrepreneurs, Steven Alvarez (age 22), Robert Corona (age 19), and Marcus Anaya (age 23), their shop offers a diverse urban collection including collectible sneakers, street wear and more.

Participating businesses must provide proof of liability insurance, receive appropriate business licenses and make a refundable deposit in the amount of $1 per square foot (typically $1,000-$2,000 overall).

Jonas and Eva believe the program is working and would like to see it continue.
“We’re excited about the response we’re getting and are hoping something permanent comes of this,” said Jonas.

Added Eva, “Ontario is a great community, and we love being a part of this.”