About A&V

In May, Create Denver Week partnered with local creatives and invited the community to experience unique events that test ideas and inspire dialog. A marquee attraction, SideShop: Beta, a first-of-its-kind venture, opened for business and is currently on display at 1600 Glenarm, Suite 110 through June 15.

SideShop: Beta is a 24/7 shoppable window, providing creatives and entrepreneurs a low cost, low risk testing ground for potential new products. Consumers view products and obtain additional information and purchasing options through QR code access on their smart phone. Currently, SideShop:Beta is stocked with 100% locally designed goods, with product launches by The Clyfford Still Museum, AWKWRD, Winston Lane, Revolution Apparel, Good Apples and Create Denver.

This revolutionary idea provides businesses a digital platform to test, launch and sell product, while efficiently occupying minimal physical space. The space requires no staff, reducing operating expenses associated with a typical retail store.  A simple QR code funnels traffic to a secure online checkout.  The businesses also encourage customers to contribute to future product enhancements and features by joining the discussion through social media channels like Twitter and Facebook.

“SideShop:Beta demonstrates a merger of the digital and physical shopping experience,” said Lisa Gedgaudas, Create Denver project coordinator. “Create Denver is continually striving for ways to grow our creative economy in the city. These unique window displays get consumers directly involved with designers and creative entrepreneurs behind the products they are interested in purchasing.”

Another perk to virtual, shoppable windows, is the activation of empty space. SideShop:Beta occupies an empty space owned by RedPeak Properties at 1600 Glenarm, Suite 110, in the heart of the 16th Street Mall. The project is a win-win for both the property owner and those displaying their work.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the SideShop:Beta launch,” said Irene Weygandt, director of marketing, Clyfford Still Museum. “Following in the footsteps of Clyfford Still, the Museum is dedicated to participating in forward-thinking concepts that drive cultural innovation.”

A free closing party will take place at 1600 Glenarm on Friday, June 15, 7- 8:30pm and will feature lectures from the SideShop:Beta participants and a pop-up dance party DJed by Matthew Brown and Elyse Rainbolt. The event is open to the public. Please RSVP to lisa.gedgaudas@denvergov.org.

There are nearly 20,000 creative workers in Denver, and Create Denver showcases this talented and dynamic creative community, recognizing the creative sector for making Denver vibrant and economically vital. 
For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/createdenver.