Artist Packet for Block Party Handmade Boutique

7/28/2019 Artist Packet for Block Party Handmade Boutique

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Block Party Handmade BoutiqueArtist Packet 2014

Condential: do not disseminate.This packet contains condential, trade-secret information and is shared only with the under-

standing that you will not share its contents or ideas with third parties without the express writ-ten consent of the plan author.


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What is Block Party Handmade Boutique?Block Party is an innovative new retail and community space for local artists and entrepreneurs. BlockParty is a collaborative handmade boutique that operates on a micro rental space agreement. Allitems are handmade from local artists, and each artist will have a boutique space to merchandiseand sell their work. As a cooperative business model, members work together to make the storesuccessful by paying a fee for their space, and up to 8 hours of labor a month. In addition to having

a retail space, artists have a shared studio space to use, an opportunity to teach classes in thestudio, host shows and events in the retail space, as well as opportunities to take a larger role in thebusiness expansion.

The guiding concept is that by having a large collective of quality artists, each artists work will helpbenet the whole, while improving the storefront, other artists business, and the community. Unliketypical retail arrangements, a co-op boutique is a wonderful opportunity to create a sustainablestorefront while also providing an opportunity for the artist to be more connected to their products andaudience. This offers a unique and engaging environment to the customer.

Your fee includes:

Professional and vibrant storefront in a high trafc downtown Louisville location, surroundedby similar and established retailers

Advanced point of sale and inventory system Display area tted with hardware of shelving, racks, hooks, table space, etc.

Beautiful packaging for your wares Advertising Excellent customer service and professional business consulting Collaborative and fun shared studio space Opportunity to teach classes in the workshop Additional storage for your work

Space to host events and meetings

Ability to participate in events and markets hosted by Block Party, as well as private trunkshows

Where is Block Party Handmade Boutique?Block Party Handmade Boutique is located at 560 South Fourth Street (in between the historic

Seelbach and Brown Hotels) in beautiful downtown Louisville, and is part of the new revitalization ofthe South Fourth Street district organized by Louisville Downtown Development Corporation. Marketresearch exposed a great need for retail in this area. It will be a vibrant retail district for out of town

visitors to purchase unique, one of a kind gifts made in KY, as well as an artistic and lively district for

Louisvillians to support small, businesses and get involved with their community.Upon its completion in April 2012, the retail market study concluded that downtown Louisville currentlyaverages $235 million in annual retail sales. The study also stated that given the existing downtownworker, residential, and visitor markets, the average annual retail sales potential for downtown

Louisville is $448 million.In order to best take advantage of this potential opportunity in the marketplace, Village Solutionsrecommended creating a unique Downtown retail district along the 500 and 600 blocks of SouthFourth Street. With historic ties to retail and commerce, South Fourth Street contains the remnants of

a once thriving retail corridor. Mid-century modern storefronts continue to line both sides of the streetand many contain recessed entrances with large display windows. Revitalization plans for SouthFourth Street call for new and exciting retail concepts to blend with the existing mid-century modern


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architectural heritage of the street. This integration will serve as the foundation for a Downtown retaildistrict, which will also include new restaurants and entertainment venues.

Block Party is surrounded by other unique retailers: Regalo, Les Filles, Gifthorse, the Leading Man,Craft(s) gallery, FAF gallery, and Art Eatables.

Why is a strong, vibrant, creative downtown so important?To compete in the 21st century, our community must be a stimulating and creative place to live and work

economically stimulating, socially stimulating, and intellectually stimulating. Entrepreneurs shouldwant to live here because of the business opportunities. Artists should want to live here because of ourrich, creative environment. Downtown Louisville sets the tone in these areas for our entire city. villesdowntown should be our citys most unique and stimulating environment a place that epitomizes ourcitys energy and pulse. Jerry Abramson

.

Block Party oers an opportunity for a varietyartists, designers, and entrepreneurs.

Block Party is seeking applications from designers and artists who have a unique handmade product, madeby themselves or are involved in the design process or original concept. You will be required to submit anapplication form online. Acceptance into Block Party is juried on an individual basis.

For the Hustling Artist/Crafter/Entrepreneur:If you are like me, you have been selling your wares at various craft shows throughout the yearsand are continuously scouting out the best shows to do and when. You may be looking for a more

permanent storefront, but may not have the capital, investment potential, and inventory to ll up anentire store. Block Party gives you the opportunity to have more control over your merchandise at a

small fraction of the price of owning your own store. You have the opportunity to make the most ofyour space by restocking often and testing the market with new products. You will have full access

to your inventory and sales at any point, and have all of your products in one location with anypromotional materials you would like to display. Your space will be as customized to market yourbrand as you would like. Block Partys mission is to provide an intimate shopping experience for our

guest, so you can have your space as personalized as you prefer. By being in the downtown marketand having all of your marketing materials available, this is great advertising for your brand to get intonew stores around the country. You can even host meetings with clients in the Block Party space.

For the Newbie:Block Party offers an opportunity to test out the market intimately to see how your work will sell. Youwill also be in a collaborative environment full of professional artists and entrepreneurs who caninspire you and provide wisdom on how to succeed as an artist.

For the Store Owner:Block Party offers a perfect opportunity to expand into a second location without having to add

business partners or invest in an entire new storefront. Shoppers can have a tactile experience withyour wares and be provided with all of the information to come visit your store to see more. This is anexperience you cannot get just from typical advertising.

For the Community Lover:Block Party will include a workshop area where you can apply to teach classes on your craft. Thisis an extra opportunity to earn more income and provide cultural enhancement to the area. You willalso have access to a shared studio space where you can collaborate with other artists and grow the

Louisville art community.


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Block Party StaBlock Party is managed and operated by MaryLevinsky. Mary was born and raised in thePhiladelphia area and moved to Louisville in 2006.She received her Bachelors degree in psychology

and studio art from the University of Louisville in2010. Mary has a professional background in graphicdesign, customer service, and social services. Maryparticipated in many juried art shows and joinedher initial retail art fair in 2008. Being new to theretail environment, she initally struggled to nd herniche. However, through participation in many art

shows over the next few years, she realized she had

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow are the prices calculated for rental spaces?Block rentals were calculated from similar business models and then evaluated to create the mostcompetitive rates available for artists while still being able to maintain the storefront. Professional

nancial advisors and accountants were consulted to prepare for a solid nancial plan. We alsoadded a few nancial incentives and extra perks compared to other similar models.

What is the process of applying?Each artist must ll out an application online and provide photos of their work. Based on need in thestore, artists will then be asked to interview in person, and consult for a space that is perfect for them.Once you are accepted, you do not need to reapply.

Will I have exclusivity in the store?Block Partys model is that as a collective, we can work collaboratively to help each other besuccessful. The goal is to have several artists for each category. However, Block Party respects theartists and provides exclusivity for one of a kind work.

Where will my space be?Artists nominate their area and position at time of application. Spaces are subject to availability.We will also offer our advice on this if you are unsure. Block Party will have approximate category

sections in the store to provide an organized shopping experience for the guest. Block Party will alsohave incentives to be a spotlight artist and have front window space.

What hours will I work?Block Party requests 8 hours a month from co-op members and it can be completed in one day or twofour hour shifts based on your availability. Our hours are 10am-7pm.

What advertising do you do for Block Party?

Mary Margaret Sparks is the PR manager for Block Party. We advertise as a group with other SouthFourth street merchants, collaborate with other local businesses, advertise with the Original Makers

Club, offer tons of social media exposure, and have been featured in Todays Woman, Pure UncutCandy, the Voice Tribune, on WHAS 11 news, and much more! We are a partner with the visitorsbureau, so we focus on marketing to both visitors and locals!

Any other questions can be made to Mary Levinsky at [email protected] you for your interest!!


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developed a talent for communicating with customers, discovering the customers needs, and foundher passion evident in excelling at sales. Through her experiences, she understands the need forartists to learn more about marketing and selling their work, and she decided to focus on supporting

other female artists. With an emphasis on community, Mary partnered with a booth neighbor from anart fair and created the Female Art Collective in 2009, with a mission to bring artists together and toencourage the female community to succeed in showcasing and selling their work. Mary is motivatedby and committed to the collective and was inspired by immense community support to continue.

Mary has created community events collaborating with and highlighting local businesses, artists,musicians, and non-prot organizations. As the business has grown, it became clear to Mary that thenatural progression would be to expand the business and open a physical store and inspire others to

build their careers utilizing their artistic talents. Mary loves to call Louisville home and is excited to bea part of a new, vibrant, downtown Louisville.


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Large Boutique Space

6h x 5w x 2.5d ) OR

Lease Length Working Rate (8 hours a month) Non-Working Rate

Month minimal $195 $235

Prices for: Large Non-Enclosed Shelving Tower

3.25 w x 68 h x 15d) or


Medium Non Enclosed Shelving Unit (68h x

0w x 14d)

Month $165 $195

Month $145 $175


/2 of a large boutique space:

w x 2.5 d table with total of 48 height

Or Freeform Wall space 2.5 w x 7 h

Month $145 $175

Month $137 $167 Month minimal $135 $165

/4 of a large boutique space 2.25 x 3


Prices for: Shelf on Large Tower

3.25 W x 17h x 15d) or 2 Medium Shelves

OR small table 22 x 22 total of 30

height


Incredible Edibles 2.5 x 12 shelf

Shelf for handmade foods only $50 $50

All rates add a 20% commission after rental amount is recouped.Working rate available to those who meet retail requirements.

2014 Block Party Monthly Rental Rates


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Large Boutique 6 H 5 Width 2.5 Depth (Best Value!)

Large Table 5 L 2.5 Width

Freeform Wall Space 5w 3Height

Freeform Wall Space 2.25w x 3 Height

Medium Table Space 2.5 square

Small Shelf on Wall 2 L 1.5 H

Scale drawing of spaces availabile within thelarge boutique space:


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Visuals of the spaces available:

1/2 of a Large Boutique Space2.5 w x 7 h

Medium Non-EnclosedShelving Unit

1/2 of a Large Boutique Space5w x 2.5 deep table


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LargeShelving

Unit

LargeBoutiqueSpace

Visuals of the spaces available:

Two

MediumShelves

1/4 of a largeboutique space

Artist Packet for Block Party Handmade Boutique

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