Last week, the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team, in partnership with the City of Memphis and alt. Consulting, officially “rolled out” five mobile retail trucks participating in their latest pilot program MEMMobile “to provide more diverse retail options; encourage small business growth; promote local artists and designers; and increase activity in public areas in the community.”
Lining both sides of the plaza in front of City Hall, the five MEMMobile retail businesses showcased fashion, accessories, and even bicycles, with familiar food trucks rounding the perimeter to satisfy the lunch crowd. Memphians got to shop and really experience the vibrancy that the mobile retail shops can bring to the community.
Here’s a short rundown of those five MEMMobile trucks in the roll-out:
Henny Penny Mobile Boutique — Women’s Apparel and Accessories
We featured Henny Penny owner Cyndii Jo Hartley last week in anticipation of this event. With hot days ahead, the Henny Penny truck boasts a cool air unit to keep your shopping comfortable. They also provide 2 dressing stations which is convenient since there will be many lovely items you’ll want to try on.
Facebook.com/HennyPennyMemphis
K’PreSha Haul of Fashion — Men and Women’s Apparel and Accessories
Kimberly Taylor sees this fashion truck as an extension of her South Main boutique K’PreSha. The goal is to stock the truck with mostly local items and from local designers. You’ll find jewelry, clutches, and casual to dressy apparel for both men and women.
Facebook.com/KPreShaBoutique
Thigh High Jeans — Repurposed Denim Apparel
Co-owners Ann Smithwick and Kerry Peeples are artists who took their art to fashion. They began the company in 2010 embroidering positive quotes on the thigh portion of recycled jeans. Meant to be uplifting, the quote “generates a high” for both the wearer and those they meet. Five dollars from each jean sale is donated to charities such as the Church Health Center, Jolkona Foundation, and Feeding America.
ThighHighJeans.com
Sache T-shirt Truck — Custom-Printed T-shirts
Designer Eric Evans (left) and co-owner John Sylvester (right) not only print t-shirts but they also create custom designs with Memphis pride. They’re the ones behind the recent Tennessee Brewery shirts that include the famed mural “Invest in Good Times.” Beginning their business as part of the South Main shop Sache, they hope taking this portion of the store to the streets will allow them to print shirts on site as orders come in.
SacheDesign.com
The Bike Smith — Bicycle Sales and Repair
What makes this business great is that owner Jim Steffen is a bike enthusiast who loves repairing bikes. Thus, the Bike Smith truck not only sells bicycles but will conveniently pick up your bike, repair it, and deliver it back to you. Visit his website and you’ll also discover new ways to fashion your bicycle with leather adult beverage caddies. Elevate your Memphis flair by transporting a precious growler full of local brew.
www.bikesmithtruck.com
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To learn more about the MEMMobile pilot program, click here.