2016 Spring Edition of Queen City Pop Up

May 5, 2016 – Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), Buffalo Place and Working for Downtown kicked off the Queen City Pop-Up: 2016 Spring Edition at 517 Main Street - located along the newly renovated 500 block of Main Street.  Queen City Pop-Up, launched in 2014, is downtown’s first pop-up retail program designed to encourage retail activity along Main Street by creating new “pop-up” shops that feature local retailers.  The project activates empty storefronts by filling them with retailers on a short term basis, free of charge.  New 500 Block, LLC has agreed to sponsor the retail space for the spring 2016 Queen City Pop-Up participants.

Mayor Brown stated, “We are experiencing unprecedented development, excitement, and growth in the downtown area, and positioning the 2016 Spring Edition of Queen City Pop-Up along the newly renovated 500 Block of Main Street is adding to the momentum.  Buffalo’s downtown Main Street and our significant investment in the Cars Sharing Main Street program play a vital role in Buffalo’s new era of opportunity.  The Queen City Pop-Up program complements our collaborative efforts, encouraging growth in the downtown area, attracting even more people to downtown Buffalo, while creating increased opportunity for investment and job growth.”

A Request for Proposals was issued in March to identify local retailers interested in participating in this downtown retail effort.  A selection committee, comprised of representatives from the Queen City Pop-Up partner organizations, reviewed the proposals and determined the program finalists. Four local retailers were selected to participate in the 2016 Spring Edition of Queen City Pop:

• The Atinga Project
• Buffalo Loves Tees
• Phenomenal Xpressions
• Vixen Fashion

These small businesses offer a unique mix of items including Buffalo themed merchandise, local artwork, vintage clothing and purses, hand-made jewelry, custom T-shirts, and hand-crafted footwear and accessories

The goal of the Queen City Pop-Up program is not only to activate storefronts but also to inspire participating retailers to locate their retail operations on downtown Main Street. Many Queen City Pop Up participants have located downtown due to their positive experience with Queen City Pop-Up. Buffalo Adore and Rust Belt Love have opened shops in the historic Market Arcade Building. Yar Mo’s Muse has opened a vintage clothing boutique at 700 Main Street and MMW Style Studio has permanently located in the Brisbane Building. Buffalo Barkery has also recently located in the Market Arcade and Rare Bath and Body is now co-located with Furnishings on the 600 Block of Main Street.

Brandye Merriweather, BUDC Vice President of Downtown Development says, “It is amazing to see new small business retailers locating on Main Street. We are thrilled that Queen City Pop Up has been a catalyst in helping retailers take their businesses to the next level.”

Mayor Brown wrapped up today’s event by issuing a proclamation, declaring May 8, 2016-May 14, 2016 as Small Business Week in the City of Buffalo.  The annual event is hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration Buffalo District and is designed to recognize and salute small business owners, entrepreneurs and employees for enhancing our communities and expanding opportunity for all.

Queen City Pop-Up: 2016 Spring Edition will run from May 5, 2016 through July 31, 2016. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 4:00 p.m.  For more information contact Brandye Merriweather, BUDC Vice President of Downtown Development at 716-362-8373 or go to www.buffalourbandevelopment.com, www.buffaloplace.com or www.workingfordowntown.org.