Downtown Norfolk Council announced that Selden Market has secured leases with 12 storefront tenants that will open to the public on Oct. 4. Selden Market has also selected 18 initial pop-up businesses that will join the 12 storefront tenants, with at least seven pop-up businesses featured each week. The historic arcade at Main and Plume Street will be Downtown Norfolk’s first retail incubator for new and up-and-coming businesses.
Selden Market will have several storefront and small-business tenants as well as booths for pop-up retailers in an effort to generate street-level activity with low rents and short term leases for businesses. The open environment will allow for businesses to learn from each other, and will serve as a connector between Slover Library and Hilton Norfolk The Main.
“We have so much interest in Selden Market from new and exisiting business owners,” said Drew Ungvarsky, chairman of the Vibrant Spaces committee and CEO and executive creative director of Grow. “We reviewed the selected applicants with the goal to create a lively and energetic environment for Downtown Norfolk. We anticipate Selden Market will continue to evolve as these businesses grow and get established.”
“We are providing a low-cost entry point for new businesses in addition to mentors and resources to help them succeed,” commented Mary Miller, president and CEO of Downtown Norfolk Council. “The market has been approved by the City of Norfolk as an interim use for two to three years. We are very pleased with the level of interest and the beautiful design created by Work Program Architects for this fresh take on a historic property.”
Selden Market's pop-up businesses will also create a constantly changing environment, with the option of operating for either a week or a month. "We're going for energy and vibrancy," said Drew Ungvarsky. "We handpicked the 12 tenants, and these pop-ups will complement them to make an exciting launching point for this endeavor." The schedule for each week's pop-up businesses will be posted on the Selden Market Facebook page each week. Some of the pop-ups will include Norfolk Growler Company, Twittering Bird, Unbaked, In Mind Vintage and In Her Nature Boutique.
Norfolk Growler Company
Twittering Bird
Unbaked
In Mind Vintage
In Her Nature Boutique
Selden Market will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 4 for its opening week. A happy hour event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 5–8 p.m., and a special public grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7. Visit here for more information.
