Got a big idea and bigger ambition? Carriage Crossing wants to give you the keys to your new storefront.
The Shops at Carriage Crossing is back with another year of Pop Local, an initiative that launched in 2023 to create new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs based in the Mid-South.The Pop Local program provides small business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to test out their products and services in a traditional retail space.
“Our first Pop Local competition at Carriage Crossing in 2023 resulted in six new businesses joining the center, so we knew we had to bring it back,” said Ramzi Hassan, president of Edwards Realty Company. “LYE Academy, Nerd Alert, POPPZ and Slimetastic were among the standout winners of our inaugural program, and we’re proud to now call them permanent tenants. Pop Local is about investing in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Mid-South and giving small businesses the platform they deserve to grow and thrive.”
“Winning Pop Local completely changed the growth, trajectory and life of our arcade business,” said Melissa Oswald, owner of Nerd Alert. “We already had a strong following in Memphis, but winning the contest and relocating to the outdoor mall – offering walkability, great nearby food options and a safe environment for our younger guests – truly made our business boom. Carriage Crossing’s continued investment and support, even after the contest ended, allowed us to expand this year into a nearby suite, where we added a private space for birthdays and camps and grew our arcade game collection. It is so rare to find a group that stays connected; wants to help; and actually supports small and unique business ventures. We will forever be thankful to Carriage Crossing for this gift!”
This year, Carriage Crossing is offering small business owners the opportunity to receive six rent-free months for them to test their products or services in a premium retail storefront and up to $5,000 to make their vision a reality. In addition, they will receive PR and marketing support, including promotion on Carriage Crossing social media, e-blasts and a robust media relations platform.
The program consists of an application period open to all local businesses where qualified finalists will be selected based on a series of criteria, including overall business readiness, concept and potential longevity as a future Carriage Crossing tenant. Those finalists will then participate in a social media voting competition, interviews with Carriage Crossing leadership and a public Finalist Showcase Day in December. A winner will be announced in January, and the winner will open for business in their new space spring 2026.
“Winning the Pop Local competition gave us the perfect incubator space to test our concept and refine our operations,” said Jennifer Purnell, owner of POPPZ. “It allowed us to train our team; introduce POPPZ drinks to the community; and learn what it takes to scale. The support from Carriage Crossing has been invaluable, and that foundation has prepared us to expand with our drive-thru location opening soon in East Memphis.”
For those interested in applying, visit www.shoppoplocal.com/carriage-crossing to review rules and regulations and to begin the application process.
Your business could be the next local legend – but only if you pop into action before October 31!
