Coast Village businesses opening pop-up shops on State Street
Commercial real estate brokers in Santa Barbara are being asked to consider allowing pop-up shops in their vacant spaces to accommodate displaced Coast Village Road businesses.
Downtown Santa Barbara is reminding Realtors that, even with Highway 101 open, most Coast Village business owners will not be able to get there stores up and running for many weeks. The organization said in a news release that many owners are interested in opening in a temporary way just to try and move inventory and keep their businesses afloat.
Brokers that have empty storefronts they can offer below market rate, or pro bono, are being ask to contact Downtown Santa Barbara immediately.
“Not only would this be a great way to support Coast Village Road business at this time, it would also be a fabulous way to bring shoppers to downtown Santa Barbara and make downtown viable for other, leased tenants,” said Kate Schwab, marketing and communication director for Downtown Santa Barbara. “This could turn into a win-win-win.”
Richie’s Barbershop of Montecito has already moved two barber chairs into Jamie Slone Wines in order to continue business. Jennifer Reiter, owner of Blanka Boutique, has also gotten inventory into her pop-up at 432 State St. and opened the morning of Jan. 22.
Businesses that are currently looking for pop-up space include Alessaro Designs, Letter Perfect, Malia Mills and Kathryne Designs.
Downtown Santa Barbara will make each pop-up shop a member of the organization and offer space on its website and promotions.
• Contact Robert Shutt at rshutt@pacbiztimes.com.
