5 Local Small Businesses Win Pop-Up Shops At Geneva Commons

GENEVA, IL — After a two-month-long competition, five local small businesses were selected winners of Geneva Commons' inaugural pop-up contest.

The winning businesses are Bread.Geneva, Swish Avenue, Twee Partees, Salt & Wilde and Glow With Flo. Each will be given a storefront at the Geneva mall, located at 602 Commons Drive, that will be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Organizers were "so impressed" with the finalists — there were a total of seven — that they nixed their original plan to select two winners and chose five instead.

"We're thrilled to announce the Winners of the Uncommon Collective Contest and can’t wait to see how each brand flourishes and grows throughout the next few months, with the support of the lively community at Geneva Commons," Cathy Charut, general manager of Geneva Commons, said in a statement.

She continued: "This program is a testament to our commitment to help fuel the creativity and success of small businesses in the Tri-City area."

As part of the first-ever contest at the mall, winners will each receive $3,500 cash prize to go toward the design and build-out of their dream pop-up. Shop owners won't be charged rent but will be responsible for paying utility charges during their stay at the mall.

Take a look at what each business is about.

Bread.Geneva

Husband and wife duo Catie and Mateo founded Bread.Geneva, inspired by the fresh baked goods from their time living in Spain. The pair has a passion for bringing joy to people by making simple but high-quality baked goods. At their pop-up this summer, they will offer artisanal bagels, ranging in flavors from everything to jalapeno, and pan de pueblo, a baguette-style bread from Spain.

Glow With Flo

Glow With Flo is a natural skincare brand started by Ariel "Flo" Smith aimed at keeping mental wellness front and center. Glow With Flo is working to change the narrative and normalize self-care with products that are hand-crafted, made with good ingredients. The shop will offer items including handmade body souffle, body oils, body slushies, cleansing powder, clay masks and serums.

Salt & Wilde

Salt & Wilde is a women’s boutique, founded by Shannon Gustafson, that provides a curated selection of clothing and accessories. Pieces are feminine, romantic and easy to mix and match. The boutique offers stylish dresses, tops, bottoms and accessories, all with a feminine flair and sophisticated style.

Swish Avenue

Swish Avenue is an online women’s boutique based in Geneva and started by Keli Nitschke. Swish styles are hand-selected and ever-changing to keep things fresh. The shop will offer a unique twist to everyday staples and statement pieces at affordable prices to help create a well-rounded wardrobe.

Twee Partees

At Twee Partees, balloons are always appropriate and there is always a reason to "partee." Created by Alissa Tadic, the business brings fun and unique party goods and balloons to the Tri-Cities to make every event extra special.