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MISC. (pronounced as Miscellaneous and also an acronym for Made In Second City) is a pop-up shop concept that challenges the traditional retail experience by activating unused commercial spaces around Chicago with gallery-inspired retail installations.
MISC. provides a platform for local and smaller businesses, brands, and makers who do not traditionally have access to these types of retail spaces to sell to a larger market. Within the retail experience, MISC. also creates an opportunity for a cultural hub for unique programming and events that would otherwise not have as large of a reach within a community.
The goal of each tailored retail design is to create an elevated environment in which to showcase the objects for sale and create a space for additional programming and events. Working within the restrictions of a temporary installation, all fixtures and displays have to be easily constructed, movable, and deconstructed —which sets up a unique design challenge, keeping each new pop-up feeling fresh and distinctive.
MISC.
Pop-Up Retail
CULTURAL HUB ACTIVATIONS
Workshops
Programming & Events:
Skill swaps
Art classes
Branding tutorials
Talks
Programming & Events:
Business seminars
Cultural lectures
Educational series
Performances
Programming & Events:
Live music
Comedy
Youth performances
Events
Programming & Events:
Networking
Community gathering space
Product launches
Food
Programming & Events:
Cooking classes
Signature dish launches
Local cuisine spotlights
Drinks
Programming & Events:
Signature drinks night
Mixology lessons
Local brews and spirits
CASE STUDY 1
PROJECT PARTNERS: Elizabeth Cummings & Wrightwood Developments, Inc.
LOCATION: Lincoln Park, Chicago
The first installment of MISC. featured work from 15 local Chicago designers with objects ranging from textiles and ceramics to lighting and handmade garments. A world of colored boxes was built to create display surfaces, and wooden beams angled against the wall were used for hanging lights, textiles, and macrame. Common Place Projects produced the event, designed and built out the site-specific retail installation, curated the designers, and merchandised the objects with help from curator and researcher Elizabeth Cummings.
Case Study 2
PROJECT PARTNERS: Design Museum Chicago & Block 37
LOCATION: Downtown Chicago
The second installment of MISC. featured work from 16 local Chicago designers who work with paper. Webs of string were created as a way to display cards and stationery, and a central grouping of white-washed cubes served as a display surface for larger items. Common Place Projects was invited to bring MISC. to the inaugural Chicago Design Market, a collaborative effort between Design Museum of Chicago and Block 37. Common Place Projects designed and built out the site-specific retail installation, curated the designers, and merchandised the objects.
