Carriage Crossing, an open-air mall in beautiful Collierville near Houston Levee and Tenn. 385, is seeking to diversify its tenant mix by inviting local entrepreneurs to join its retail community. To facilitate this, the mall has introduced a contest designed to identify the ideal business to occupy a space within its premises.
The initiative, known as “Pop Local,” has been successfully implemented by Edwards Realty, the company that acquired Carriage Crossing earlier this year, in their other shopping centers in cities such as Chicago and St. Louis. Pop Local provides an opportunity for local small business owners and entrepreneurs to potentially establish their presence in a traditional retail setting.
Collierville’s economic development director, John Duncan, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity presented to local businesses. He said, “That small businesses have the opportunity to be part of the revitalized Carriage Crossing is exciting, and I can’t wait to see what business is able to take advantage of it.”
The contest offers attractive incentives to the winner. The selected entrepreneur will receive three months of rent-free occupancy at Carriage Crossing, along with $5,000 to support their business venture. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to operate during the mall’s busiest months, namely November, December, and January. Edwards Realty will provide essential assistance, including help with municipal approvals, marketing support, and a stipend for space decoration.
Ramzi Hassan, President of Edwards Realty, expressed satisfaction with the success of the program in previous locations, stating, “The good thing is the program has been successful in that we have been able to pick really great finalists, and we have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of the finalists.”
The winners of previous Pop Local contests have achieved notable success. For instance, a fashion and jewelry boutique owner, who left the corporate world and started an online boutique during the pandemic, won the contest and signed a three-year lease. Another winner secured a long-term lease and eventually purchased her own building to continue expanding her business.
Hassan emphasized the inclusivity of the contest by encouraging nonprofit organizations and service providers to apply. Quirky and unique business ideas have also performed well in previous contests. Hassan emphasized that successful applicants need to demonstrate momentum, drive, and a solid business plan.
Even finalists who do not win the Pop Local contest may have opportunities to collaborate with Edwards Realty in other capacities, such as through pop-up shops within retail centers or partnerships with community organizations.
Starting from Monday until July 17, locally-based retailers can submit their applications to Edwards Realty. The company will then evaluate the applications based on specific criteria, including business readiness and the potential to become a long-term tenant beyond the initial three rent-free months.
Finalists will be announced on August 28, and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalists on social media. Finalist interviews will be conducted from September 21, and a showcase event will be held on September 23 at Carriage Crossing. Social media voting will close on Friday, September 29, with the winner announced on October 6. The Pop Local winner will have a prime location near popular stores like Sephora and Forever 21 within the mall.