Proper Shops offers up-and-coming retailers a place to grow in downtown Tucson

Southern Arizona

Dec 10

The downtown Tucson retail center Proper Shops is putting a new spin on shopping with a relaxed patio and lounge vibe and an innovative business model that gives startup businesses a leg up.

Sitting at the corner of Congress Street and Fifth Avenue, Proper Shops invited a steady flow of customers throughout its grand opening weekend, where the social experience was on display.

Proper Shops’ motto is “Sit. Shop. Mingle,” which can be felt the moment shoppers walk in the door. The historic brick building with a modern design aesthetic has a built-in bar, restaurants, an outdoor courtyard to host events and entertainment and 20 local, up-and-coming businesses. The atmosphere makes it an attractive destination to gather with friends while checking out the wares from a rotating array of vendors.

Tom Heath, Co-Owner of The Tucson Gallery and Jessica Barfield, Local First Director of Tucson Business Development at the soft opening of Prosper Shops on December 2nd, 2022.

Proper Shops co-owners, Krystal Popov and Tracy Nicasio, said they saw a need for space downtown where merchants launching online shops could show off their products in person and grow a customer base before moving on. They teamed up with Rio Nuevo and the Love Block to make their development project a reality.

When retailers join Proper Shops, they can sign leases as short as one month and benefit from advertising, PR and events that Popov and Nicasio organize to drive foot traffic. The hours of the retail complex are also limited to the busiest times for shopping on the weekends and some evenings to reduce staffing costs for vendors.

Proper Shops encompasses a variety of retail and services, including Arizona-made purses, art, clothing, vegan honey, home goods, tarot card readings and vegan lipstick.

The owners hope the innovative business model will remove the often high barrier to entry faced by startup retailers and add to the revitalization of downtown.