2025 Season – May 2 – December 28
Shoppe 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.
Shoppes will reopen on May 2, 2025 with our next group of retail incubator participants!
2025 Retail Incubator Participants
Click on the 2024 Shoppe Vendors below to see what they’re doing now.
We are excited to announce our 2025 Shoppe Owners!
Shoppes Open May 2, 2025
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.
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.
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 Alumni Shop Owners?
Click on the businesses below to follow them on the next step of their journey.
