City planners discuss potential for pop-up stores in downtown's Sustainable Tourism Plan

Pop-up stores in downtown Whitefish sparked lively discussion at the City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, as community members explored innovative solutions for empty storefronts. The idea emerged during the Sustainable Tourism Management Plan update, where attendees proposed utilizing vacant spaces for temporary retail opportunities.

Council members deliberated the feasibility of allowing pop-up stores, particularly in relation to existing regulations. One council member highlighted a recent inquiry from Lululemon about setting up a pop-up shop, which was ultimately denied due to branding restrictions in the downtown area. The conversation shifted to whether similar opportunities could be extended to local businesses, such as food trucks, without infringing on established guidelines.

Currently, there is no mechanism in place to facilitate such pop-up ventures, leaving many questions unanswered about how to support local entrepreneurs while maintaining the integrity of downtown branding. The council acknowledged the interest from downtown stakeholders and agreed to further investigate the potential for pop-up stores, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to accommodate these ideas.

As the city looks to revitalize its downtown area, the discussion on pop-up stores could pave the way for new economic opportunities and community engagement, with further exploration expected in upcoming meetings.