Duluth Pop-up Shops Update - Some May be Sticking Around

DULUTH -  Free rent in downtown Duluth attracted more than 40 businesses to set up shop this winter. 

Twelve businesses were picked for the Pop-Up Shop program and now a couple even want to extend their stay.

The first year of Pop-Up Shops was a great success for downtown Duluth and the individual businesses.

It ended up being a great experience for everyone because it provides more visibility for the businesses and gives them a chance to really see what it's like to have a shop downtown.

Kristi Stokes with the Greater Downtown Council says when the idea was introduced, the response was overwhelming.

So, the council would consider doing the program again depending on available space.

"It's a win–win situation. It's a chance for us to have more space filled in the downtown and for the property owners to have their space filled and plus, it allows an entrepreneur to test out a store front," said Stokes.

Although it was a tough winter for all retailers because of the hard weather, it ended up being a good experience, urging some shops to stay in their spaces longer.

Right now, several shops are still open.