The Story of BOXLOT
BOXLOT was a temporary retail activation built from shipping containers. Its mission was to create opportunities for local small business owners to test their business models and to provide an example of how these activations can catalyze development in a neighborhood.
Open from September 2019 to January 2021 on Monroe Avenue in the Edge District, BOXLOT served to expand the exposure, networks, and profits of participating retailers and potentially position them to move their business into a permanent brick and mortar. BOXLOT also connected established brands-like IKEA-to the market in the Edge and Medical District area through pop ups and other events.
Home to five different retailers, Kickspins, Mo’s Bows, Memfolk, Rock ya Sox, and Majik and Co, BOXLOT showcased a unique mix of creative offerings including vintage goods, sneakers, handmade bow ties, socks, records, vintage records, music accessories, custom apparel and immersive art experiences.
BOXLOT was located across from one of Memphis’ first micro-breweries, High Cotton Brewery, and another MMDC-supported project—Edge Alley, a restaurant which also contains micro-retail spaces. It was within walking distance from the WonderBread mixed-use project, home to the new Orion Federal Credit Union Headquarters, and the Bakery Apartments.
The concept and name developed from collaborative planning sessions with MMDC, Creative Punch, and BOXLOT retailers. Shipping container developments are a growing trend across the country and world as communities and planners are venturing into more creative and eco-friendly development practices.
MMDC thanks the retailers, visitors, and project partners and the entire community who made BOXLOT thrive. We are proud of this collaboration and its contributions to the Edge District and the city of Memphis.
BOXLOT's Mark on Memphis
Over the course of 465 days open, BOXLOT saw 20,000 unique visitors at its 5 retail storefront start-ups, 30 site partners, 28 pop-ups, 10 events, 10 performances, and 1 wedding.
"BOXLOT has been a great snapshot of what is possible when people come together: community developers, neighbors, entrepreneurs, visual artists, performing artists, code enforcement, major brands, local brands - we all brought it to BOXLOT and made something truly remarkable."
- Vonesha Mitchell, MMDC's Former Director of Community & Economic Development
“It’s been a thrill to see BOXLOT become part of the community since it launched. To get it up and running required a lot of long hours, tired bodies, and sweaty days. I could not ask for better partners and organizations to work alongside than the team we had to make BOXLOT a reality. I’m truly going to miss driving, biking, and walking by BOXLOT everyday on my way to work or around the Edge District, but I’m humbled to have been apart of making it happen.”
- Chris Porter, Creative Punch Owner
“I opened my first successful retail pop-up in the Edge in 2017, so I’m excited to be returning to the neighborhood with Kickspins. I feel we’re entering with a class of cool, new businesses that will transform the neighborhood into THE vibrant hangout spot for the area’s creatives.”
- Tonya Dyson of Kickspins, BOXLOT Tenant
“My goal is to provide a store where others who share my passion and are into the culture can gather and shop.” - Auston Freeman, owner of Majik & Co., BOXLOT Tenant
“For me, BOXLOT represents forward motion for Memphis. I was so excited to see something new and innovative. When I visited the space, it proved to be just as cool as expected, and I love that it gave budding entrepreneurs a space to grow their business and be discovered.”
-Kiamesha Wilson, Kaye’s Pints and Scoops Owner
“What I appreciate most is all the creative ideas like BOXLOT that allow us to have unique experiences here in Memphis. Thank you for organizing activities for us to stay engaged.”
- Karissa Coleman, BOXLOT Supporter and Customer
A special thanks to our partners at Creative Punch, PKM Architects, IKEA and all of the BOXLOT businesses tenants for their support in making this project possible.