Local and national business owners are taking advantage of a new retail kiosk program along the 16th Street Mall to incubate their brick- and-mortar aspirations.
The kiosk program, known as the 16th Street Marketplace, allows entrepreneurs to inexpensively test out products while gaining a downtown audience, said Sarah Neuman, marketing manager for the Downtown Denver Partnership.
“Our hope is that the transition is very easy from kiosk to in-line store,” Neuman said.
The partnership installed seven kiosks two weeks ago in the median between Welton and Stout streets as part of its plan to elevate the mall’s infrastructure and appearance. Five of the kiosks have tenants, including local retailer Hats & Hats and national sunglass retailer NYS Collection.
Christy Wood and Jan Rector, owners of Denver-based Mile High Hippie Hardware, which sells 1960s-style novelties, have one of the new kiosks and hope to make the transition to a permanent site along the mall next year after their one-year contract with the partnership expires.
Wood and Rector’s colorful merchandise and personalities were discovered about two months ago at a flea market by Cord Rauba, manager of the 16th Street Marketplace. She asked them if they wanted to move to the mall.
“Oh, heck yeah, we do!” Wood responded.
After two weeks of operating on the mall, Hippie Hardware is experiencing sales of $500 per week, compared with the $500 per month it was making at the flea market.
Wood and Rector said they have noticed more foot traffic along the mall, which is needed for the kiosk program to be successful.
But the partnership’s restrictions on what can be hung on kiosks have limited their sales of tie-dye shirts, umbrellas and kites, Wood said.
Rauba said the new kiosks are an attempt to create a consistent, upscale, professional look along the mall.
“Hanging things from the roof or drawers is not what’s considered to be a quality retail display,” Rauba said.
Overall, Wood and Rector said, they are satisfied.
“This is better than the flea market. It is all about the location, and we do think this is the location,” Wood said.
Tom Hasty of Hootenanny Candy, a local maker of caramel, marzipan and toffee, moved into a kiosk after hearing about the program.
“Where we’re at now is wonderful,” Hasty said. “Eventually, we would like to have our own kitchen storefront.”
With rent of $1,000 a month, Hasty and his partner have a sales goal of $200 to $300 four days a week. They will add more visual marketing to boost pedestrian traffic along the median, which Hasty said is already increasing daily.
“The interest is picking up,” he said. “They’re realizing that we aren’t just going to be here a week and that we are going to be here permanently.”
Justin T. Hilley: 303-954-1064 or jhilley@denverpost.com
