Contest: Wellington mall offers space for free

WELLINGTON — The Mall at Wellington Green is giving away rent-free retail space as part of a competition to find the best local pop-up shop.

Entrepreneurs have until March 30 to enter the mall’s “Challenge: Battle of the Pop-Up Contest.”

Up for grabs: rent-free space in the mall for four months, the use of existing mall or store fixtures and free utilities.

The winner also will receive a $500 merchandising package that includes interior signage, tableprinted displays and graphic design services.

“Supporting local businesses and community ideas is important and vital to the success of our mall as well as the financial health of the community overall. We’re delighted with this contest idea as it’s available to both established and budding entrepreneurs who may have new, existing or online concepts to test,” said Rachelle Crain, the mall’s marketing director.

“Approximately 30 percent of the Mall at Wellington Green’s retailers, restaurants and kiosks are locally owned; Battle of the Pop-Up is another initiative that showcases our city’s talent,” she said.

Applications can be submitted online, by visiting the mall’s management office or by emailing an online form to TheChallenge@StarwoodRetail.com.

Entries will be judged on business strategy, concept creativity, and likelihood of profitability.

Winners will be announced April 23.

The winner must be able to obtain a business license by June 1 and operate the business during mall hours from June 1 to Sept. 30.