Retail Incubator Program
The Retail Incubator Program gives Cape Cod's small businesses an affordable, low-risk way to test retail and grow their customer base.
The Retail Incubator Program offers small businesses an affordable opportunity to test retail in a prime location inside the Love Local Shop.
Participants rent their own dedicated space on a quarterly basis, with complete creative control over design, merchandising, and customer experience. This program is a great fit for small businesses testing a new product line, exploring brick-and-mortar retail for the first time, or transitioning from online-only sales.
Every business that goes through the Retail Incubator contributes to Cape Cod's thriving local economy. Graduates of the program often move into their own storefronts, expand online, or grow into wholesale partnerships, creating jobs, strengthening our community, and keeping Cape Cod's entrepreneurial spirit alive.
For sponsors and supporters, the Retail Incubator Program represents a direct investment in Cape Cod's economic development. Your support helps local entrepreneurs overcome the biggest barrier to retail success: affordable access to commercial space. When small businesses succeed, our entire community benefits.
The Love Local Pop-Up gave me my first opportunity to merchandise my products in a semi-permanent retail space—something beyond a 10x10 tent. It allowed me to truly explore retail design, experiment with new products, and test different display techniques to see what resonated with customers.
How It Works
Store Staffing: The Love Live Local Shop is staffed Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-5pm. Love Live Local handles daily operations, customer service, and sales.
Inventory Management: The businesses manage their own inventory through Square, integrated into our system. Add products, adjust pricing, and track sales on your own schedule.
Flexibility: Need to take inventory to a weekend market? No problem. Just update your inventory in Square and give us a heads up.
Events: Want to host a workshop, trunk show, or special event outside regular hours? Participants can coordinate with Love Live Local to schedule off-hours events.
Shared Space: Participants share 252 square feet of retail space (2-3 vendors total)
Monthly Investment:
- 3 vendors: $175 per vendor per month
- 2 vendors: $250 per vendor per month
- Plus 10% commission on sales (all participants)
Season Options:
- Full Season: May 1 - December 31 (8 months)
- Split Season: May 1 - August 15 OR September 15 - December 31 (4 months each)
How Payment Works: Monthly rent is due on the 1st of each month. Sales payouts are processed by the 10th of the following month, less credit card processing fees and 10% commission.
My experience creating a pop-up at Love Live Local Headquarters was nothing short of amazing. It was such a joy curating the space alongside Atlantic Soap Company and our brands truly complement each other. Beyond the storefront, the year-round support from Love Live Local made the partnership deeply impactful for my business.
