A new pilot program to attract new retail concepts to downtown Iowa City, In the Meantime, is the latest initiative of an ongoing effort by the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) to focus on retail recruitment and retention efforts.
As part of the program, ICDD has temporarily leased the former White Rabbit space at 112 S. Linn St. to host businesses exploring Iowa City as a market, special events, and pop-up shops.
“We are deliberately inviting entrepreneurs looking for a brick-and-mortar location to explore downtown,” said Iowa City Downtown District Executive Director, Betsy Potter. “The ICDD has been investing in retail recruitment and retention for over ten years, this effort is just another phase as we continue to broadcast that retail sales in storefronts are still the primary way consumers shop,” said Ms. Potter, in a news release.
ICDD’s goal is that the storefront will encourage potential tenants to showcase their products and connect with customers, ultimately revitalizing a prominent location within downtown Iowa City while maximizing available retail space.
“Linn Street has long been a retail street where many beloved community businesses first started including Revival, Textiles, Prairie Lights Bookstore, Active Endeavors, and now hosts several important retail neighbors such as The Art Mission, Record Collector, Critical Hit Games, and OM Gifts,” said Ms. Potter.
Additionally, the storefront will support Dubuque Street boutiques impacted by the current streetscape reconstruction, allowing those shops to host events, pop-ups, trunk shows and collaborations during the challenging months of construction.
In the Meantime plans to strategically invest in downtown Iowa City’s future, reinforcing the district’s position as a hub for retail innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The space under this initiative will ensure that there is “A Window of Opportunity”, likely to attract interest from both aspiring retailers and residents eager to explore new and exciting shopping opportunities. This approach aligns with the evolving preferences of consumers and works to ensure that downtown Iowa City remains a destination for unique shopping experiences,” the news release said.
In the Meantime’s first special event will occur April 24 with a Willow & Stock Spring Floral Bouquet workshop. For more information about the 112 S Linn St lease opportunity, upcoming events, and pop-up shops, contact Betsy Potter at betsy@downtowniowacity.com or visit downtowniowacity.com.
