MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new retail marketplace in Manistique is creating a collaborative space for business owners to sell their products and reach new customers.
“Originally, the idea I think was just a bookstore, but we saw this great building and it’s humongous,” said Eric Neilson. “The wheels started turning and before long, we thought of a city market-type space.”
Neilson and Kathreen Francis are co-owners of the building at 216 South Cedar Street, which has been open since last summer with its flagship business, Paper Mill Books. Retail market The Mill launched this month. Two additional businesses—Bevy Tea and Fireside Trading Co.—have set up shop inside The Mill alongside Paper Mill Books, and there is room for more.
“They’re 12-by-12 spaces that we’re renting out for $300 a month,” Neilson explained. “We take a small commission on sales. 12-by-12 maybe doesn’t sound like a lot, but entrepreneurs can really maximize that space.”
“It’s big enough to really put your own stamp and your own personality on it,” said Francis. “It was hard to envision when it’s just empty holes, but when you see what a creative person can do to make it their own, it’s really exciting.”
“We have about a third of the building we’re still renovating, so next season should be even more spaces,” said Neilson.
The layout is designed to create a sense of community.
“People have come in to have work meetings here,” Francis said. “A gentleman came in yesterday and worked some deals he said and drank some coffee, so it’s neat just to have it filled with people doing stuff.”
Neilson says The Mill makes selling goods to customers more accessible than a traditional storefront.
“It’s very expensive to start one’s own business,” he said. “This really saves them the overhead. They don’t have to worry about trash or electric or renovations, so it can really be an easy way to sort of get your foot in the door and see if this is for you.”
Neilson and Francis welcome new business owners to explore their potential at The Mill.
“Already the energy is changing just by having the extra shops in here, so we’re looking forward to seeing what ideas people bring to us,” said Francis.
Anyone interested in renting a space at The Mill can call (906) 286-4076. Visit The Mill’s website or Facebook page for more information.
