CLINTON, Iowa – Makers on 5th, a unique retail incubator in the redeveloped, historic downtown Wilson Lofts, celebrated the grand opening of its first tenant GEOME + ph.yla on Saturday, Oct 14.
The incubator, which is part of Economic Growth Corporation’s multimillion redevelopment at 217th Ave. S. in the heart of downtown Clinton, is designed to bring a group of small businesses from the home front to the storefront by offering highly flexible lease terms to grow new business opportunities, according to a GROWTH news release.
GEOME, which was established in 2017, specializes in handmade, high-end, designer fine jewelry with a wearable, yet fashion-forward style. Each piece is made with the highest level of craft using gold, silver, precious and semiprecious gemstones.
The company is run by Anna Wiese Zimmerman, who creates all the jewelry, styles and collections independently, and Jordan Zimmerman, a brand strategist and visual communications specialist, who manages the brand’s creative direction and visuals.
With the new space, Ms. Wiese Zimmerman has taken her offerings beyond her home business GEOME by offering unique plants and housewares inside Makers on 5th. She also expanded the store’s name to GEOME + ph.yla (jewelry + plant store).
“Our storefront in Downtown Clinton is the next step in our adventure for GEOME + ph.yla. We are so excited to provide amazing quality handmade jewelry and plants with a few select products and home goods,” Ms. Zimmerman said in the release. “Our mission behind opening a store is to inspire others to grow and flourish through cultivating great style and a cozy home.”
For more information on the new store, visit GEOME’s website or Facebook group.
Makers on 5th’s goal is to have businesses establish themselves in the incubator and grow out into a larger storefront in the Clinton community, the organization said in announcing last Saturday’s grand opening.
Makers on 5th leases all or parts of a retail storefront and offers flexible terms by structuring arrangements for minimal upfront investment and no long-term obligations. Arrangements include one-year leases with utilities included. Tenants also are used to work together to build a a shared market and customer base.
Makers offers flexible leasing terms and subsidized rent to help transition new businesses into storefront opportunities. Features include:
- Six total retail suites.
- Suites range in size from 499-894 square feet.
- Rent ranges from $715-$1,175 per month with utilities and shared WIFI included in rent.
- Access to resources and support networks to help a business establish and grow.
- Pop Up Shop Opportunities Available (50% off rent, limited time only from September- December 2023).
To learn more, visit the Wilson Lofts website and click on “Business Incubators.”
