Sixty-three small-scale enterprises, intrigued by the prospect of affordable overhead downtown, vied for three retail spaces at the Ann Arbor District Library’s new “Lobby Shops.”
The library has chosen Silky Grooves, Gardens Within, and JFSMade to inaugurate its pilot program of business incubation, using space freed up when the Friends of the AADL Book Shop moved to the library’s off-site new facility in Scio Twp. last year. They’re setting up shop for six-month tenancies, with a possibility to renew.
Related: Bookshop in Motion
Silky Grooves was awarded the largest of the three suites—about 500 square feet for $250 per month—and is the first to open, starting with variable weekend hours. The vintage reseller has been operating since 2019 at various festivals and pop-ups, offering an eclectic selection of “funktastic” records and other physical media, apparel, toys, games, kitchenware, and collectibles.
At press time, preparations were still ongoing in the two smaller suites, each about 200 square feet, renting for just $100 per month.
Gardens Within will offer locally grown fresh flowers and indoor plants, as well as pottery and other wares from area artisans. JFSMade will support refugee entrepreneurs by showcasing the various brands and handcrafted creations of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County’s immigrant clients.
AADL Lobby Shops, 343 S. Fifth Ave. See aadl.org/lobbyshops for stores’ hours. instagram.com/silkygrooves, jfsannarbor.org/jfs-made
Friends of the AADL Book Shop, 265 Parkland Plaza. (734) 302–7774. Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. faadl.org/book_shop
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