Pop Up Shopping Big Success for Tulsa retailers
Jennifer Luitwieler

During the five weeks between thanksgiving and Christmas, roughly ten stores opened temporary spaces in downtown Tulsa's Deco District. According to Libby Auld, president of the Deco District business owners, the idea spawned new life for some vacant buildings. At least five businesses who had a holiday presence along Fifth and Boston are extending their stay downtown. Candy Castle, Indie Emporium and Bison & Bear signed leases to keep them growing. 

Auld said "The experience was great. Collectively, the stores did $100,000 in sales." established businesses like Auld's Elote increased sales by 23 percent while Mod's Crepes watched as sales climbed 76 per cent.

Indie Emporium is a handmade market including the goods of 30 local and national artists. Christine Crowe and her husband designed the space to be an offshoot of the local crafting event they started 6 years ago. The downtown shop is called Made: Indie Emporium, to differentiate it from the event. They have a separate Facebook presence for the store, which is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 to 7.

Crowe's shop carries her work, screen printed linens and book prints, as well as handmade soaps, jewelry, accessories and paper goods. They plan to find ways to participate in the Two Bucks on Boston events every Wednesday, with short classes and crafty giveaways. 

And finally Bison and Bear, a menswear store that's a "collaboration between my brother and Michael and me," according to Joel Hitsman. Between his fly fishing and outdoor gear and his brother's line of custom neckwear, they found the holiday season a perfect time to see what they could do together. They added a line of skin care and shaving items which are selling well, too.    

The collection of downtown stores will celebrate with a Grand Opening on February 1. All of the stores will have the same hours. Candy Castle will be open after construction.