Sean Ryan
The incubator could be established on this block of North Broadway where the Downtown BID is trying to attract more retailers.
A fashion incubator that would link designers with people who can sew and sell their clothes could be coming to North Broadway under an idea the Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District is pursuing.
The concept, although in its early stages, is gathering enthusiasm, said Stephanie Sherman, former co-owner of Lela Boutique in Milwaukee’s 3rd Ward. The incubator would bring together designers, and have sewing equipment, people with sewing skills and professionals who can market clothes to retailers. Eventually, it could lead to a stand-alone store.
The idea could boost the downtown retail market, which, as we will cover in the Aug. 22 edition of the Milwaukee Business Journal, has been treading water and unable to foster specialty and fashion stores.
“Stay tuned, and know we’re in the beginning stages,” Sherman said. “Over time, maybe we would have a Milwaukee showroom and maybe a specifically Milwaukee fashion product.”
The owner of the building at the corner of East Michigan Street and North Broadway is open to housing the incubator on one floor, said Beth Weirick, CEO of the Downtown BID. That location of Broadway, at the doorstep to the 3rd Ward, could generate a link to have some of the 3rd Ward’s success with fashion retailers migrate north to the downtown.
“The local made-in-Milwaukee aspect is what we would love,” Weirick said.
As with the 3rd Ward, local fashion retailers must demonstrate success downtown before national stores will consider the area.
Milwaukee has a talented community of fashion designers, Sherman said, but each works independently.
Reporter Sean Ryan covers commercial and residential real estate for the Milwaukee Business Journal and through the Real Estate Roundup blog on the website. He also covers construction, highways and public transit.
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