Shoppes will reopen on May 3, 2024 with our next group of retail incubator participants!

Meet our 2024 Vendors

Summer Hours:

Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday 10am – 6pm

Sunday 10am – 4pm

All shoppes will be open at the hours listed above.  Each individual shop may have additional hours.  Please check their individual pages for those hours.

A Retail Incubator Program

This project provides a physical retail experience to businesses ready to take on the challenge of operating a brick-and-mortar location. Selected businesses will have the opportunity to test their product in the McHenry market for a season while learning the ins and outs of operating a retail storefront.

The “village” of 12’ x 12’ and 12’ x 16’ tiny shops have a nominal cost to rent for a season (May through December).  Educational workshops, one-on-one support, Chamber membership and more will help our vendors to succeed beyond the shoppes.

A Retail Incubator Program

This project provides a physical retail experience to businesses ready to take on the challenge of operating a brick-and-mortar location. Selected businesses will have the opportunity to test their product in the McHenry market for a season while learning the ins and outs of operating a retail storefront.

The “village” of 12’ x 12’ and 12’ x 16’ tiny shops have a nominal cost to rent for a season (May through December).  Educational workshops, one-on-one support, Chamber membership and more will help our vendors to succeed beyond the shoppes.

Support for Start-Ups

Vendors will have the opportunity to open their own business and determine if it is the right fit for them without investing a significant amount of capital. One of the requirements of the business owners will be to participate in multiple workshops that will help them grow their business and prepare them for “what’s next”. Supported by the McHenry Area Chamber, the City of McHenry, and other shop owners, these businesses are in a strong position to succeed.

  • Low Cost of Entry

  • Educational Workshops

  • High Visibility With Steady Foot Traffic

  • Business Support

  • Mentoring

Support for Start-Ups

Vendors will have the opportunity to open their own business and determine if it is the right fit for them without investing a significant amount of capital. One of the requirements of the business owners will be to participate in multiple workshops that will help them grow their business and prepare them for “what’s next”. Supported by the McHenry Area Chamber, the City of McHenry, and other shop owners, these businesses are in a strong position to succeed.

  • Low Cost of Entry

  • Educational Workshops

  • High Visibility With Steady Foot Traffic

  • Business Support

  • Mentoring

Support for Existing Business

Located next to the Riverwalk on Boone Creek, the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes will also serve as a link to the retail and restaurants that already exist in our downtown areas in either direction. Creating a retail experience will encourage visitors to “make a day” of shopping, eating, and playing at existing businesses.

The Riverwalk Shoppes and activities at Miller Point Park will provide a much-needed economic development boost and a viable tourism attraction.

Support for Existing Business

Located next to the Riverwalk on Boone Creek, the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes will also serve as a link to the retail and restaurants that already exist in our downtown areas in either direction. Creating a retail experience will encourage visitors to “make a day” of shopping, eating, and playing at existing businesses.

The Riverwalk Shoppes and activities at Miller Point Park will provide a much-needed economic development boost and a viable tourism attraction.

87% of incubated companies are still in business after 5 years, and 84% stay in the same area where they started operations.

87% of incubated companies are still in business after 5 years, and 84% stay in the same area where they started operations.

What’s Happening With Our 2023 Vendors?

Click on the businesses below to follow them on the next step of their journey.