Pop-up Power

In a time when marketing has slowed down after the holiday rush comes a concept new to downtown West Plains. The Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) has hatched a temporary storefront, also known as a pop-up shop. The concept behind pop-up shops became popular in the fashion industry to promote a new line or brand with little commitment. Over the years, this idea spread through the retail world. Recently, it has landed in the Ozarks with the first pop-up space available for lease. 

One of OzSBI’s downtown neighbors, Stephanie Hullinger, who is part owner of the West Plains Bike Shop and a vendor with the GO Farm Farmer's Market, approached market officials with the idea of leasing the pop-up space to allow vendors to sell their products through the winter. GO Farm opened up shop on Jan. 9. They are the first tenant to use this space as intended. 

The pop-up shop is small in space, just under 300 square feet but the impact I witnessed at the grand opening was huge. People were excited to see their favorite items available all week. While OzSBI provides four walls, a roof, and the comforts of electricity and a restroom, it's the tenant who creates a short-term business. They get to test the water before going out on their own brick-and-mortar space.

GO Farm Farmer's market is offering many handcrafted, farm-raised products normally found on farmer’s market days with new items being added continuously during their 90-day stay. Set up like a mini farmers market, you'll find local meats, kombucha, houseplants, handcrafted items, salves, microgreens, jams, and jellies plus many other market items from your favorite vendors.

This venue will be a great asset to the downtown area, putting West Plains on the map of trending ideas. You can shop the GO Farm Farmer's Market pop-up Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm until April 7. They are located at 410 Washinton Ave, right next door to their parent partner, OzSBI where you can find more information on the pop-up and incubator.