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Province Celebrates Success of Program That Promotes Downtown Retail

A collaboration between the Manitoba government and CentreVenture Development Corporation has revitalized under-used storefronts and supported entrepreneurs establishing their businesses in downtown Winnipeg, Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell announced today.

“Over the past two years, the Pop Up Shop Hop (PUSH) program has given crucial support to entrepreneurs who want to build their businesses downtown,” said Minister Caldwell.  “The PUSH program supports Manitoba’s economy by filling downtown storefronts, developing homegrown businesses and promoting the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg.”

Through the PUSH program, the province has provided $120,000 forleasing, legal fees, marketing and minor capital improvement costs for new businesses opening downtown.  The program is designed to fill vacant storefronts, connect landlords with interim tenants and provide retailers with an opportunity to sell their products.  It provides a low-risk opportunity for local retailers to test the downtown marketplace by providing retail space at little or no cost.

“The PUSH program is part of our corporation’s strategy to attract new local entrepreneurs to help knit together all the other positive things happening downtown,” said Angela Mathieson, president and CEO, CentreVenture Development Corporation.  “These retailers create the pedestrian experience we want Winnipeggers to have as they make their way between new office buildings, new apartments, and new arts and entertainment venues across our downtown.”

Two new retail businesses supported by the PUSH program are Oak + Oar, a store that carries men’s casual designer clothing and Verde Terrariums, a store that carries handcrafted creations that feature plants.

“The PUSH program has allowed me the opportunity to gain valuable experience and to gauge the viability of a permanent brick and mortar store,” said Chris Watchorn, owner of Oak + Oar and Olé Denim.  “I am very excited about the opportunity PUSH presents.”

The program has also supported another entrepreneur, Lennard Taylor, of Lennard Taylor Designs.  Taylor, a former participant of the PUSH program, has renewed the lease for his Exchange District store and will continue to offer Winnipeggers designer denim and leather fashions.

“The PUSH program is an essential kick-starter for entrepreneurs wanting to launch their businesses,” said Lennard Taylor, fashion designer and founder of Lennard Taylor Designs.  “Without the PUSH program, the Lennard Taylor boutique could not have come to fruition.”