The Power of Pop-Ups

Tuesday, July 18 at 12PM CT

Presented by: Pam Schallhorn, Extension Specialist in Community & Economic Development, University of Illinois Extension

Pop-up shops can be used to create vibrant downtowns while giving start-ups, artists and existing businesses a place to test markets, build a customer-base and increase revenue.  Pam Schallhorn, Extension Specialist in Community & Economic Development will discuss how pop-ups have been used to create unique retail and culinary options that many communities need while reinventing downtown centers to attract young adults and much needed real estate development.

 

Because pop-ups cost significantly less to start-up then a storefront, they can assist communities in building equity in their existing entrepreneurial eco-systems by providing lower cost options.  Pop-ups are not just for start-ups. They can also be a great way for online merchants to take their products offline in order to grow revenues and lead customers to their online shops.  Even existing brick and mortar stores have used pop-ups to expand their brand awareness.  Pop-up events can also assist in re-establishing or expanding retail options in struggling downtowns. 

 

Learn ways your community can utilize the pop-up concept to its full potential.  

 

Pam Schallhorn, Extension Specialist in Community & Economic Development helped to create the Rockford City Market and was a member of the initial steering committee from 2010 to 2014. She is an authority on the ‘creative economy’ and has presented on the topic at both state and national conferences.  Before coming to Extension, she was a commercial lender for over two decades and was the Director of the SBDC in Rockford, IL.  She holds a master’s degree in political studies and a bachelor’s in finance.  

 

For more information on the program or if you need reasonable accommodations in order to attend, please contact the presenter at pscha2@illinois.edu.