Back to SearchThe City of Kitchener is excited to launch a new pop-up program using retail space at Kitchener City Hall, 220 King St. W., in time for holiday season shopping. Over the next year, the new space next to Carl Zehr Square, Sq. Peg will host a variety of local retailers, makers, artists, and events. The new pop-up program will help give local makers, artists, and entrepreneurs a short-term opportunity to enter the storefront retail space Downtown Kitchener to help boost their business.
“We are re-thinking retail and turning an asset into an opportunity,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “The new Square Peg pop-up space will help showcase active, emerging, and local retail talent while demonstrating our DTK commitment to creating vibrancy, connection, and a sense of belonging in our downtown.”
The first partner to take over the space will be the KWFamous Annual Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe, bringing over 125 local makers to the downtown core in time for the holiday season. Open on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. stop by and discover unique gifts for friends, family or yourself – all from local businesses. Support the local maker community, attend special events, or take a holiday photo in the photo booth.
“The Sq. Peg space is intended to be a dynamic space that will continuously change with each pop-up,” said Darren Becks, manager of downtown development and innovation. “By curating tenants looking to build their business, this short-term pop-up will allow entrepreneurs to test concepts and products with our community.”
Recently, City Council approved a new vision for Downtown Kitchener that was created by a working group and supported by staff with a goal of increasing vibrancy in the core. This space will become a catalyst for rejuvenating retail by allowing businesses an opportunity to pilot new ideas.
The City of Kitchener invites everyone to shop Downtown Kitchener and check out the various pop-up shop vendors. The KWFamous Annual Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe will run from November 22 to December 31, 2023:
- Mondays (closed)
- Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Future Sq. Peg partners will take over the space throughout 2024 and will be announced in the coming weeks. To stay up-to-date, or for more information, visit www.downtownkitchener.ca.
Local makers, artists and entrepreneurs interested in the space can contact the City at downtown@kitchener.ca.
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communication
City of Kitchener
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca
Sam Staresincic
Head of Operations
KWFamous
sam@kwfamous.com
Subscribe