Battle of the Pop-Up at The Shops at Willow Bend

Have an idea? Looking for free retail space to test an idea? The Shops at Willow Bend can help. Now through Friday, March 30, The Shops at Willow Bend is encouraging local entrepreneurs to submit fresh, fun and innovative retail concepts for “The Challenge: Battle of the Pop-Up Contest.”

The contest winner will receive a rent-free space in The Shops at Willow Bend for four months, use of existing mall or store fixtures and free utilities. The winner also receives a $500 merchandising package that includes interior signage, table-printed displays and graphic design services.

“Supporting local businesses and community ideas is important and vital to the success of our mall as well as the financial health of community overall. We’re delighted with this contest idea as it’s available to both established and budding entrepreneurs who may have new, existing or online concepts to test,” says Amy Medford, The Shops at Willow Bend marketing director. “Approximately 25 percent of The Shops at Willow Bend’s retailers, restaurants and kiosks are locally owned; Battle of the Pop-Up is another initiative that showcases our city’s talent.”

To enter, participants must be prepared to obtain a business license by Friday, June 1, 2018 and operate their business during mall hours from Friday, June 1, 2018 through Sunday, September 30, 2018. Entries will be judged on business strategy, concept creativity, and likelihood of profitability among other criteria. The deadline for entries is Friday, March 30. There is no cost to enter.

Applicants may enter one of three ways:

1. The Shops at Willow Bend’s website.
2. Drop off an entry at the mall’s management office at 6121 West Park Blvd.
3. Emailing this complete PDF to TheChallenge@StarwoodRetail.com.

Winners will be contacted via email or phone on Monday, April 23.

Download the full list of rules and regulations here.

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