Props to Proper Shops for Tucson’s retail renaissance
Downtown Tucson is enjoying a retail renaissance these days, and a big driver is Proper Shops, a restaurant-turned-collection-of-boutiques that gives up-and-coming entrepreneurs and artisans a start.
Krystal Popov and Tracy Nicasio opened the two-story, historic brick building with a bar and courtyard in 2022 after realizing that retail rents were pricing out many businesses.
Proper Shops hosts an array of events to attract customers and offers short-term leases that are more affordable for business owners just getting off the ground.
We asked Proper Shops’ co-owner and three retailers how it’s going.
(Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.)
Krystal Popov, co-owner of Proper Shops
What’s going well?
The thing we're most proud of is the quality of retailers. We have local artists, seamstresses and clothing designers, jewelry and metal workers, and woodworkers. The quality is what makes this place so special.
What resources would you recommend to downtown entrepreneurs?
Local First Arizona shows up for our retailers. Others just want you to sign up for a membership but they don't really help you. Local First does.
We also have a great partnership with Lovelock Partners, who own most of the businesses on these two blocks. They've cheered us on every step of the way. And Downtown Tucson Partnership really helps with marketing.
Jason Robinson, owner of Sport Class Customs
Handcrafted cutting boards, knives, wine and cigar accessories and other custom wood creations
How did you start your business?
I've always been a woodworker. It was something I did on the side. When COVID hit, my boys were 14 and 11, and I said, ‘Boys, let's get in the workshop.’ We built some chairs and tables, developed a product, and in 2021, we launched the company.
What are your biggest successes?
A surprise to me is how unique we are. There are very few people who can do customized projects like I can. My tagline is: ‘Where inspiration meets craftsmanship.’ I'm able to ask questions when people come to me. They say, ‘Hey, I'm trying to buy something for my dad, and he's the hardest person to buy for.’ I have the ability to connect with them — ‘Tell me about your dad. What does he do? What is he like? What doesn't he like?’ — and then create a unique gift that implements everything this person is as a person. The experience of the gift-giver is almost as great as the recipient. And that's really what our niche is.
What comes next for your business?
We’ve started a sawmill that can actually repurpose wood from downed trees for customers, especially during monsoon season. A lot of people love knowing that a tree that fell over didn't get sent off to the chopper. It actually got made into a cutting board or a sign.
What community organizations would you recommend to other entrepreneurs?
Local First Arizona] has been great when it comes to encouragement, resources, and helping with things like where to get a business license. We get stuck, and you help get us unstuck.
I’m a member of Business Network International too. It’s a lot of other entrepreneurs that are really wanting each other to succeed.
Darren Jones, co-owner of The Tucson Gallery
Local art for sale
What makes The Tucson Gallery unique?
Tucson has walking tours for its murals, and a lot of these artists are really well-known and respected. You can do the tour, walk around, take a picture, but you can't take it home with you. So we put together an art gallery that represents these artists and gives back to them. The idea is to help market and have a place for the artists and for the public.
Tell me about your experience doing business downtown.
The area has developed through a lot of work by a lot of people who really love downtown. So we got the restaurants and the bars, which made it fun to come to. And of course the University of Arizona brought the architectural school downtown. And little by little, it's a lot better doing business in downtown Tucson.
What are you proud of?
When we started, we represented six artists. Now we represent 32. We did not expect that much acceptance from the art community. We're really pleased and honored.
What community resources would you recommend to other entrepreneurs?
Rio Nuevo has a lot of good programs and guidance. There are also resources like the Downtown Tucson Partnership and the Tucson Metro Chamber.
Chelsea Adler, owner of Willow’s Bazaar Boutique
Clothing, jewelry, handbags and more
How did you arrive at Proper Shops?
Serendipity! I was doing pop-up events and had been selling online. Everyone kept asking me where my store was. I was like, ‘I think I need a store.’ About two days after saying that out loud, my sister said that a friend of a friend was starting a new retail location downtown, and they were looking for vendors. And I said, “That's perfect!”
Tell me about your experience doing business downtown. What’s that been like?
I love downtown environments. There's just something very awake and alive about a downtown area. There's something going on all the time. It's a lot of fun.
What have some of the biggest challenges been for you as an entrepreneur?
Imposter syndrome. It's a little hard to believe that I'm doing it sometimes!
What comes next for you and your business?
I've collaborated with Sport Class Customs to design products we're both selling in our shops. I'm also in the very early stages of partnering with Desert Mariposa to create a new retail space together. It's going to have a runway where we can do fashion shows. I'm also going to expand into selling books. And I’m writing my first book!
Visit Proper Shops at 300 E. Congress St. in Tucson.
Open 3-8 p.m. Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.
Parking is at Depot Plaza Garage, 45 N. 5th Ave.
