“It has been a challenging but rewarding learning experience to have a MOMENT storefront, where we've run into unique retail problems, but have been able to tackle them with the support from our fellow tenants and also MOMENT staff.

[The Downtown San José Pop Up Program] has allowed us to test out a retail location without the commitment and risks of a longer term lease. It also has given us more opportunities to build and share our communities in a physical space. Reducing the latency and logistics of renting out directly from a landlord has been really helpful for us.

I am definitely more interested in keeping a physical storefront because of the program! It's been an interesting challenge for us to explore having a physical storefront for mechanical keyboards. And I love San José and would love to keep it around the area if possible.”

Visit Tiny Keyboard Shop
23 Post Street, San José, CA 95113

“Having a MOMENT storefront has been the highlight of my small business journey! The alleviation of the rent burden as well as the support from the team at MOMENT has really helped my business. Paying rent for a commercial space can be a very nerve-wracking and large financial commitment to make, especially for a small business that has never done it before. So having reduced rent has given me more freedom to test out different product offerings, hire employees, and invest in equipment for unique experiences like our aura photography.

The team at MOMENT has also been a huge help to my business. The social media promotion and support that they do as well as the fun events that they host really help peak people’s interest in coming to our store.

Selling crystals and metaphysical products is best when shopped in-person so people get the full experience of seeing a large variety in front of them. I would love to keep a storefront in San José because I believe my business has a unique offering that people in the area are actively seeking out.”

Visit Bad Witch Crystals
115 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95112

“My time at MOMENT was a dream come true. The retail space gave me the platform to not only showcase my own products, but fellow small businesses' products that otherwise would not have the opportunity to be carried in a physical location for customers to shop. More importantly, the shop was a safe space where I was able to build the most wonderful local community. Through day to day engagement with my customers & hosting seasonal pop-up events, the moments I've had interacting with the local community are the ones I will cherish forever. We showed San Jose just how impactful the dog community is for small businesses. 

During my 2 years at MOMENT, I was able to test daily what products work for my brand. Each season & collection taught me what works and what doesn't work for my business. Having a physical location allowed my customers to see, feel, & test out products in person rather than online or occasionally at markets. I was able to make my brand stand out with the quality & uniqueness of the products I carried with the feedback of the local community. 

I always knew I wanted to open my own boutique and MOMENT gave me that first taste without having to jump into the deep end. With the experience & lessons at MOMENT, I was able to build a foundation and the courage to jump. Now, I'm in a new retail space in Downtown Campbell that is almost 3x the size of my MOMENT space & none of that would be possible without the MOMENT, SJMade, & the Downtown San Jose Association. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and will cherish this experience forever. “

Visit Woofboard
389 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

“Working with MOMENT and opening a retail shop with them has been an incredible experience as a small independent maker wanting to test out the viability of a retail brick-and-mortar. shop for my brand. More than that, it allowed me to engage with my community in a more engaged and interactive way.

The lessons learned during my time with MOMENT were invaluable and helped me continue to grow and develop my current brick and mortar shop, bobo Palm Springs, which is my boutique stationery shop in sunny Palm Springs, CA.”

Visit bobo Palm Springs
750 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

“If you have an itch to open your own shop, MOMENT is a relatively low risk, high value stepping stone towards owning a brick and mortar retail space.”

Visit Fractal Flora
1461 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

“My experience with MOMENT, SJMade, and the City of San José has been transformative. This retail space has allowed me to cultivate a thriving community around my art; selling my artwork and products, teaching, hiring, and hosting events that have left a lasting mark on my community. I’m just 10 months of running my retail shop, I experienced tremendous growth. Three years later, my online presence and art are still deeply connected to San José.

I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to explore and grow my business in such a supportive environment. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to any artist or entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level. I’m forever grateful for this special opportunity and the impact it's had on my journey.”