Skip to Main Content

Open on Main

The Downtown Memphis Commission’s award winning Open on Main Initiative pairs emerging retailers and local entrepreneurs with vacant storefronts in and around the Main Street Mall in Downtown Memphis. The program is designed to help retailers test their market strategies, create a stronger retail ecosystem, and improve the pedestrian experience in our core city. The spaces available will provide low-cost opportunities for tenants to temporarily showcase their businesses on Main Street for up to one year. 

Since launching in 2016, the program has helped over 50 small business owners test the retail market in Downtown Memphis.

To apply to be an Open on Main tenant, please complete the application form. If you have any questions related to Open on Main, please reach out to mykulyn@downtownmemphis.com.

Deadline: we are currently accepting applications for summer 2026. All applications submitted by Thursday, August 13th will be considered for the next round of Open on Main.

OPEN ON MAIN APPLICATIONS

Virtual Sessions

Open on Main Q&A Virtual Session

The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) will discuss the Open on Main program as well as give an overview of the application process, judging criteria and tentative timeline. Additionally, the DMC will discuss our new partnership with StartCo, who will be providing additional support to entrepreneurs looking to improve their applications to be more competitive.

Watch Recorded Webinar Here

Open on Main Business Plan & Operating Model Support Virtual Session
Tuesday, August 4th
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

As you work through your Open on Main application, join StartCo for this session designed to strengthen your business model by identifying your target customer, refining your value proposition, exploring how you'll reach and retain customers, and thinking through the operational systems needed to successfully deliver your product or service.

REGISTER HERE

Individual Application Support Office Hours
Various Dates

StartCo is offering individual office hours to help answer questions and provide one-on-one guidance for business owners who would like additional support crafting an application and further developing their business to be “storefront ready.”

Reserve Your Spot Today

Shop current retail operators!

Jasper Float Spa & Wellness

60 S Main St

The Midsouth's First Luxury Rest & Recovery Spa featuring REST therapy, signature massages, Infrared Sauna, and more.

The Kollective by Klutched Kouture

10 S Main St

A retail marketplace featuring a curated collection of soaps, clothing, accessories and home goods sourced from a variety of local businesses all under one roof.

Gallery Albertine

55 S Main St

Featuring the art of artist Andre LeMoyne Miller along with exhibitions from guest artists. A portion of the space also serves as Miller’s working studio, offering visitors the rare opportunity to engage with the artist and experience his creative process firsthand.

Shop our previous retail operators!