THE TIME IS RIGHT
Across the country, central downtown districts are being revitalized. Downtown Milwaukee is no exception - in fact, we're picking up steam. One of our latest and most exciting initiatives is the creation of our Downtown Streetfront Retail Strategy. With the help of Downtown Works, a consulting firm that specializes in urban retail and downtown merchandising, there is a merchandise mix plan in place and a retail recruiter who is ready to focus on implementing that strategy.
Click here to view full Retail Strategy created by Downtown Works.
WHY DOWNTOWN?
Milwaukee has an active cultural and arts scene, with over a dozen performing arts groups, a world-class symphony, and prestigious museums. Our central business district resides within an eclectic mix of both historic and modern architecture. With a beautiful riverwalk running through the center of our downtown and the gorgeous shore of Lake Michigan to the east, energy is constant. From a growing selection of unique-to-Wisconsin restaurants that offer a wide array of cuisines to the proven successes at our current boutiques, Milwaukee is on the brink of something very exciting. Won’t you join us?
We understand that numbers matter to you. Click here for the latest statistics, or here for the retail brochure.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
In June 2010, Milwaukee Downtown introduced the Central Business District Retail Program. The goal of this program is to provide a targeted financial incentive to increase the vitality of Milwaukee's downtown retail environment. The Department of City Development also provides financial incentives towards the revitalization of Milwaukee's commercial buildings. Their programs are designed to assist property owners and/or new business owners in their initial phase of development. We recognize that the time is right for retail in Milwaukee. With our new focus and the right financial programs in place, retail will thrive!
Click here to view the Central Business District Focus Retail Program, and here to download the White-Box Grant application.
Click here to learn more about Milwaukee's Retail Investment Fund (RIF) program, and here to find out about the Downtown Facade Grant. The Downtown Facade Grant application can be downloaded here.
Rebecca Byrne, Retail Recruiter
Rebecca Byrne is the Retail Recruiter for downtown Milwaukee's central business district. Byrne's primary role is identifying prospective retailers and matching them with vacant street-level spaces in the strategy area – an area bounded by North Fourth Street, North Marshall Street, Juneau Avenue and Clybourn Street.
As founder and co-owner of MODify, a retail and resale boutique in the Historic Third Ward, Byrne brings more than 15 years of management, marketing and product development experience in the consumer products, apparel and technology markets.
Setting up Shop: Click here to see how Rebecca can help you in this process
For more information, contact Rebecca Byrne at (414) 220-4700, rebecca@milwaukeedowntown.
IN THE NEWS...
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - "Zita moving, narrowing focus to brides" by Doris Hajewski - 8/2/11
The Business Journal - "Recruiter goes shopping for downtown stores" by Stacy Vogel Davis - 2/18/11
M Magazine - "Deanna Inniss - Retail Revolutionary" - August 2010
The Business Journal - "Inniss trying to increase downtown retail" by Stacy Vogel Davis - 6/18/10
CNN.com - "Where to get startup cash now" (Boutique Larrieux) - 3/24/10
OnMilwaukee.com - "New plus-size Boutique Larrieux to open in March" by Maureen Post - 1/8/10
Biz Times - "BID will recruit retailers for downtown" by Andrew Weiland - 3/20/09 - 4/2/09
89.7 WUWM's Lake Effect - "Milwaukee's retail recruiter" - 5/7/09
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - "Selling Downtown" by Doris Hajewski - 7/21/09
OnMilwaukee.com - "More thoughts on Downtown retail, Grand Avenue" - 8/8/09
