Pop-Up Concept Debuts At Buffalo's Market Arcade

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Just in time for the holidays, five local retailers have been picked to set up space inside Buffalo's Market Arcade building as part of the Queen City Pop-Up program.

The concept was launched Monday morning by the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, Buffalo Place, and Working for Downtown to encourage retail activity on Main Street.

The "pioneer" artisans opening start-up or secondary stores were invited into space donated by Market Arcade owner Nick Sinatra.

"Give our local vendors an opportunity to test the downtown market to build their customer base," said BUDC Downtown Development Coordinator Brandye Merriweather.

In true pop-up fashion, this space is only a temporary home. Merriweather hoped their time spent in the building will encourage other businesses to permanently fill the numerous empty storefronts in the Theatre District and beyond.

Buffalo Adore owner Andrea Dacey said she and her husband jumped at the chance to set up shop.

"There are a lot of people who live down here, a lot of apartment buildings right within walking distance, and they need something to do, some place to shop and some place fun," said Dacey.

"Bring retail back to downtown Buffalo, to bring retail back to Main Street and this Queen City Pop-Up initiative will be helpful in enabling us to do that," said Mayor Byron Brown, D-Buffalo.

Merriweather looks at the pop-up concept as an additional project to compliment the renewed interest in revitalizing this area of the city, and this holiday edition won't be the last time you see the Queen City Pop-Up logo.

"We're looking to partner with other property owners and to continue this until we get all of the existing storefronts filled," said Merriweather.

The Market Arcade store will be open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays