Our Goals For Your Business:
This isn't just a vendor market — it's a launchpad. Here's what we're setting out to do for you:
Expand your reach by connecting you with a diverse stream of selling opportunities
Simulate real retail so you can experience what it truly feels like to run and manage your own shop
Test & refine new products and methods in a consistent, controlled environment — far beyond what a single market day can offer
Grow your customer base and get fresh eyes on your brand
About The Shop Location:
The Incubator Pop-up Shop will be nestled in the heart of Assembly Row, inside The Shed — an exciting new multi-use space situated between Assembly Row and Revolutionary Drive. You'll be surrounded by shops, restaurants, the Volo Sports Courts, and a vibrant outdoor cocktail and beer garden and events stage.
Here's what that means for your business: based on our experience hosting markets at Assembly Row, shoppers arrive ready to spend — on themselves, on gifts, and on discovering brands like yours — all while soaking in the food and green spaces that make this destination so beloved.
How It Works
From June through October, the Incubator Shop will welcome 3–4 small businesses at a time, each operating their own designated Micro Shop within the shared space for a set period. These businesses — known as "Residents" — will enjoy a genuine retail experience with real responsibility and real reward.
Your Responsibilities as a Resident:
We want you to feel like it's your shop — because it is! As a Resident, you'll be in the driver's seat:
Opening & closing the Shop each day with your fellow Resident vendors using a convenient door lock-box
Managing your own setup, transactions, and inventory
Bringing your vision to life with your own additional shelving, racks, stands, and displays — make it yours and let your personality shine!
Bonus Opportunity: Host a Workshop!
Residents will have the option to apply to host a ticketed workshop of their choice within the Incubator Shop space. This is a fantastic way to deepen customer relationships and showcase your expertise. (Not required.)
What's Included: Your Pop-in Kit
Every Resident (excluding Micro-Shop D) will receive a Pop-In Kit to get you set up and selling from day one:
(1) White Shelving Unit (31.5" x 15" x 63") — perfect for merchandising or as a stylish room divider
(1) Counter-height White Table (Width: 47 1/4" x Length: 26 3/4" x Height: 41 3/8") — ideal for product displays or as a checkout counter
A custom BWM-made sign featuring your business name
General office & cleaning supplies
Wi-Fi and electricity access
Bring additional displays and fixtures to make your Micro Shop truly your own!
Command Strips must be used to hang items to the walls. Nails and other materials that puncture or damage walls are not permitted.
What BWM Handles For You
While you focus on selling, we've got the rest covered. Here's what the BWM team will manage on your behalf:
All scheduling & communications with Assembly Row for your Micro-Shop
Load-in & load-out coordination — Thursday mornings to get you set up, Sunday evenings to wrap up
Resident Orientation, so we can go through the ins and outs of operating the shop and your daily responsibilities (don’t worry, it’s super easy.)
Paid & organic marketing of the Shop and any in-shop activations
Full outfitting & branding of the Shop space
Your Pop-in Kit — merchandising supplies ready and waiting so you can hit the ground running
Finding Your Perfect Fit: The Micro Shops
The Incubator Shop is divided into five distinct Micro Shop spaces, each designed with a different type of vendor in mind. Whether you're launching big or starting lean, there's a space for you.
Micro-Shop A (~14ft wide x 8ft deep)
Best for: The Committed, Go-Big Vendor
Our largest space is ideal for vendors with big inventory, large items for sale, or those looking to plant roots for the season. Preference will be given to vendors committing to more than one week — this one's for the vendor ready to make the most of the full Incubator experience.
Micro-Shops B & C (~9ft wide x 6ft deep each)
Best for: The Diverse Inventory Vendor
These three versatile spaces are perfect for vendors with a well-rounded product selection they love to display. Each space comfortably accommodates clothing racks, shelving units, and more — giving you the room to create a visually compelling shopping experience.
Micro-Shop D (~6ft x 5ft)
Best for: The First-Timer or Focused Vendor
Reserved exclusively for one-week commitments, this cozy space is a great entry point for vendors with a curated selection of products or merchandise that doesn't require a lot of square footage. Please note: Pop-up Kit Furniture is not included with this space.
Operating Hours Commitment
As a Resident, you'll be expected to fully staff your Micro-Shop during all scheduled days and times for the duration of your residency. Partial days or weeks are not permitted — consistency is key to creating a great experience for shoppers and fellow Residents alike.
Shop Operating Hours are:
Thursday: 1 PM - 6 PM (Load-in Day)
Friday: 11 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: 11 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 11 AM - 5 PM (Load-Out Day)
Participation Fees
Fees are charged per-week (Thursday-Sunday):
Micro Shop A:
$350 per 1-week ($87.50 per day); OR
$1,200 for a 4-week back-to-back commitment (save $150)
Micro Shop B: $325 per 1-week ($81.25 per day)
Micro Shop C: $325 per 1-week ($81.25 per day)
Micro Shop D: $275 per 1-week ($68.75 per day)
Helpful Tidbits:
Partial days or weeks are not permitted. No exceptions.
Choose to be a Resident for just one week, or for multiple weeks June - October.
Multiple weeks can be back-to-back or spaced out throughout the months
Application Process
We anticipate very high interest in this opportunity, and we're committed to making it as inclusive as possible. Our goal is to give at least one week of residency to as many businesses as we can, while thoughtfully considering factors such as:
Diversity of vendors and products
Types of goods being sold
Length of residency commitment
We encourage every interested business to apply — this opportunity was built for you.
What Happens After You Apply
If your application is accepted: You'll receive registration information to secure your spot by the stated date on the application, along with detailed next steps to get you ready for move-in. You'll also enter into a sublicensing agreement with BWM for your respective Micro-Shop space.
If your application is waitlisted: We’ll let you know you’re on our waitlist by the stated date on the application. You'll be notified via email if a Micro-Shop opening becomes available. Don't be discouraged — waitlisted vendors are very much still in the running!
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life happens — but please review this policy carefully before applying, as this opportunity requires a firm commitment from both you and the BWM team.
To cancel, you must notify BWM via e-mail at hello@Bostonwomensmarket.com by the following dates:
If notified no less than 21 days before the start date (Thursday) of your Residency for the applicable week: 100% refund.
If notified no less than 20 to 14 days before the start date (Thursday) of your Residency for the applicable week: 50% refund.
If notified 13 days or fewer before the start date (Thursday) of your residency for the applicable week: No refund.
We get it — this is an investment of your time, money, energy, and resources. It's the same for us.We're in this together, which is why we ask every Resident to commit fully and come prepared.
Refunds will not be granted for circumstances within or outside of your control, including but not limited to:
Weather — Rain, heat, or other unfavorable weather conditions during your residency weekend
Slow traffic or foot traffic — Sales fluctuate; a quiet day does not qualify for a refund
Staffing issues — Inability to staff your Micro-Shop for one or more of your required days
Personal or health circumstances — Illness, family emergencies, or schedule conflicts arising after the cancellation window
Inventory or supply issues — Running out of product, delayed shipments, or production problems
Change of mind — Deciding the opportunity is no longer the right fit after your cancellation window has passed
Your own setup challenges — Difficulty arranging or displaying your merchandise within the space
Missed communications — Failure to read or respond to BWM emails and instructions in a timely manner

