Willy Street Co-op launched its first Retail Ready Lab this month. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, the program helps guide local small businesses as they work to get their products on retail shelves by holding one-on-one meetings, displaying their products in its stores, and setting up live vendor demonstrations.
Participants in the Retail Ready Lab are able to get customer feedback on their products, and a Willy Street Co-op spokesperson said if reviews are positive enough vendors might even earn a permanent spot on co-op shelves.
Plans are in the works to continue the program with one to three vendors each month, and the co-op is taking applications from local vendors interested in participating.
