Vendor Info

More than just a physical space, the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes is a retail incubator program created to provide a low-risk, high-support environment for small businesses and emerging brands.

Through strategic partnerships, we include Chamber membership, educational workshops, mentoring, marketing assistance, and more for selected vendors. We believe these wrap-around services during the retail incubation are essential for sustained success.

This controlled environment allows for businesses to test out brick and mortar retail, expand their network, develop their business acumen, and gain exposure.

The program is open to:

Startups who want to try out a concept
Online or home-based businesses who want to test out brick and mortar retail
Existing businesses in other communities who are considering a secondary location and want to test the McHenry market

Do you have a business plan? The Small Business Development Center can help you create one for free.

Selection Process

Lease Agreement

Vendor Application

Building Committee Meeting Update 3.16.2022 F copy

VENDOR SELECTION

We are excited to select our vendors to participate in our 2024 season.

10 buildings are available in 2 sizes (12×12 an 12×16).

To apply, use the Vendor Application link above. You will be directed to a Google Form. You must have a Google account in order to complete the form. If you don’t have one already, you can create your free account by clicking here. After you fill out the application, you will receive an email with a secure link to pay your non-refundable $50 application fee. Your business WILL NOT be considered unless we have received both the completed application and your application fee.

Using a scoring rubric, an independent jury will select the top candidates for the 10 available buildings. Businesses will be graded on their concept, viability, marketing and business plans, diversity of offering, and interest in moving into a brick-and-mortar location in the future. A final interview will be conducted to make sure the business owners understand the participation requirements.

Applications will be accepted through November 1, 2023. Final incubator participant selections will be completed before the end of the year. Educational workshops and other preparations for the 2024 season will begin in January 2024. The Shoppes will officially open in May 3, 2024 and continue through the end of December.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2023 SEASON.

Applications for the 2024 season will be available in August.

CANCELLATION POLICY

No refunds for vendor cancellations will be given. Vendors may not sublet their location to another vendor. Vendors who do so will forfeit their lease and will not receive a refund. Only vendors listed and approved on the original agreement will be allowed.

SALES TAX

All businesses/vendors are required to have a business EIN as well as pay sales tax to the City of McHenry and State of Illinois.

RENT

Two sizes of buildings are available. Please indicate your first choice in your application. Although we will do our best to pair you with the size you request, we cannot guarantee placement.

12 x 12 shop is $4000 for the 2024 season (May-December).

12 x 16 shop is $4750 for the 2024 season (May-December).

SHOP HOURS

McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes will be open May 3 – December 29, 2024.

Minimum Required Hours

***Please note the dates and times below are the minimum requirements. Vendors may stay open longer than the times listed. Monday through Thursday hours are optional.

Friday: 10 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm

Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

These days and hours are MANDATED. Please consider who can cover your shop if you cannot be there.

KEY FACTS

PROPERTY FACTS

ADDRESS

1202 Riverside Drive, McHenry

CLOSEST INTERSECTION

Riverside Drive and Route 120

NO. OF RETAILERS

10 on site

DEMOGRAPHICS

CITY OF MCHENRY POPULATION

27,241

TRADE AREA POPULATION

223,967

TRADE AREA HOUSEHOLDS

80,662

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$99,634

MEDIAN AGE

39.64

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Serving the communities of McHenry, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, Wonder Lake, McCullom Lake, Ringwood, and beyond, our members come from all over McHenry County, Lake County, and Southern Wisconsin. The McHenry Area Chamber serves area residents and its 650+ members by providing services and programs to enhance the growth and development of the local business community, as well as to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the greater McHenry Area.

Photos by K Adams Foto

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Contact Us

McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce
1257 N. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-385-4300
Fax: 815-385-9142
info@mchenrychamber.com
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm