Pop-up shops to hit the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids this summer

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance hopes to increase foot traffic downtown by offering no-cost, short-term leases for pop-up stores.

The program will focus on potential storefronts in the core downtown, Czech Village and New Bohemia.

The Metro Economic Alliance is seeking potential retailers and building owners to submit applications to be part of this year's two-month pilot program, June 15 through Aug. 17.

Sarika Bhakta, district improvement specialist for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, said community development is a key function of the agency.

"Under this core function, for 2013 strategic goals, one of them is to explore and really test programs that may lead to a more robust retail strategy for the region," she said.

Bhakta said the organization based its idea on the success of pop-up shops in places such as South Bend, Ind. That city has had a pop-up program for three years, she said.

Organizers are looking now for local or regional establishments that feature gifts, home goods and decor, apparel and accessories, specialty food and books, among other items. Each of the storefronts will range from a few hundred square feet up to 2,300 square feet.

"Somebody who just has a great idea but they haven't figured out how to implement it, this gives them a free way to try it out," said Pam Hinman, the agency's communications manager.

Tenants selected for the program will be required to hold at least two in-store events; maintain required store hours throughout the season; take care of improvements such as painting; and create their own signs for the storefront.

The agency will assist the businesses with marketing.

Prospective businesses and building owners have until May 20 to submit applications. Selections will be announced May 21.

Businesses selected must be ready to open on June 15. On June 13, a grand opening celebration will be held to launch the program.