Melrose Launches Pop-Up Pilot Project To Support Local Businesses

MELROSE, MA — The COVID-19 pandemic hit the entire country hard, forcing many places out of business and leaving lingering empty storefronts. The City of Melrose wants to help change that, by filling the empty spaces with pop-ups from small businesses and vendors.

Project: Pop-Up is a grant-funded business opportunity that allows small retailers and vendors to showcase their business for 1-3 months in a vacant storefront at a significantly cheaper price.

Two locations will open in currently vacant storefronts on Essex Street, giving access to support services, marketing opportunities, and event stipends to help get them started.

Melrose will partner with UpNext, a woman-owned Newton-based business that connects emerging brands to available spaces. UpNext is working with the Melrose Chamber of Commerce and local community groups to find small businesses interested in occupying these spaces this summer.

Project: Pop-Up says they want to focus the search on local e-retailers, artists, and artisans to bring vitality and excitement to downtown Melrose.

Melrose is the third community after Newton and Needham to host Project: Pop-Up. The program will run from late summer into the fall.

Executive Director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Manning said that even though many storefronts in Melrose were getting snatched up, the idea of pop-ups filling the vacant ones surfaced back in May. "Trying to think of what we can do just to revitalize those spaces that have been dark," Manning said on the topic.

“New business ventures are always risky, and that’s even more true given the economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur, “This project will give emerging businesses and entrepreneurs the space to test drive new concepts and innovation in a brick-and-mortar setting without the commitment of a lengthy lease. I can’t wait to see what vendors are selected.”

To pop up in the space on Essex Street across from City Hall, vendors must apply with UpNext.