Market Street Boutique, a woman-owned small business in downtown De Pere, is one of the Main Street Makeover contest winners
DE PERE, WI. MAY 10, 2023 – Market Street Boutique in downtown De Pere unveiled their new look today following the completion of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) eighth annual 24-hour Main Street Makeover contest.
With assistance from WEDC and Retailworks Inc., a Milwaukee-based retail branding and design company, Market Street Boutique updated its indoor space and added exterior signage to increase visibility. The business, which opened its doors in 2020, has developed a loyal customer base, specializing in on-trend clothing, unique gifts, and stylish accessories for women of all ages and sizes.
The makeover seeks to make the interior space more inviting and engaging as the business continues to grow and expand, as well as amplify the overall image of main street De Pere.
“A vibrant downtown is vital to a community’s economic growth, and Market Street Boutique will play a key role in bringing visitors, future residents, and businesses to main street De Pere,” said Missy Hughes, secretary, and CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “Investing in our communities aids business efforts to recruit and retain workers by making Wisconsin an even more attractive place to live and work.”
WEDC’s Main Street Makeover contest is a part of the organization’s broader Wisconsin Main Street program, which is dedicated to revitalizing downtowns and commercial districts in communities across the state. This year, three businesses were awarded a total of $15,000 in state grants as a part of the Main Street Makeover contest.
WEDC and the Retailworks team have been working with Market Street Boutique owner Maggie Simmons since fall to redesign the space. The redesign aims to make a space that is functional for staff, welcoming to customers, and improves the overall browsing and shopping experience. In addition to the design and marketing assistance, Market Street Boutique received a $5,000 grant toward making their vision a reality.
This project has been made possible thanks to the support of De Pere residents and numerous community partnerships. Ryan Jennings, property owner and owner of XO Fitness gym, has assisted in coordinating the larger physical space improvements, while Main Street partner Definitely De Pere has worked to connect the project to local partners, as well as providing funding for the shop’s new exterior mural.
“We want to extend a huge thank you,” Simmons said. “We are so appreciative to all our partners, volunteers, customers, the state and the entire community who has supported us on our journey over the past several years.”
While this renovation has been months in the making, the finishing touches have all taken place during the past 24-hours. The changes include new dressing rooms, an expanded permanent jewelry station, upgraded lighting and additional merchandise display options. Coordinated paint, lighting, signage, merchandising and enhanced checkout counters were also added to provide an updated and vibrant shopping experience.
Market Street Boutique was eligible for the makeover as a business in one of Wisconsin’s 34 Main Street communities. These makeovers not only give businesses an opportunity to redesign their space, but contribute to revitalizing main streets across the state, drawing in customers and encouraging individuals to put down roots in these communities.
“We are excited to see the striking storefront and enhanced interior space unveiled. The update better reflects Market Street Boutique’s brand and creates an inviting shopping environment,” said Tina Quigley, executive director of Definitely De Pere. “As an organization committed to enhancing the vitality of downtown De Pere, we are thrilled to see this prominent corner location refreshed.”
The contest is designed to raise awareness of the Wisconsin Main Street Program, WEDC’s signature downtown revitalization initiative. The program provides support and training for communities and organizations dedicated to downtown revitalization efforts and provides services and tools for businesses and property owners within these districts.
