Vendor Information
Mi Unique Art is a place where people can find that perfect Michigan made personal gift, whether it is for themselves or someone special to them.
I have rented space # G100 at the Howell Tanger Outlet Mall, (1475 N. Burkhart Rd store G100 Howell Mi 48855). For several years I have held a Holiday Market in November and December at this mall, utilizing any vacant unit they had available. Our pervious events were very positively received by shoppers and the majority of the Vendors. (can’t please everyone) We are pleased to see many returning Vendors and referrals. With the help of Stephanie and Jason, and of course my husband, Victor, as well as the encouragement of many, many shoppers, we are making Mi Unique Art a Full Time Store.
My Hope
My hope is to maintain a store where local Michigan Artists / Crafters / Hobbyists … may display and sell their creations, without high booth fees or drama.
The Vision
The vision is comfortable, fun, and a bit whimsical. Upon entering there is a cobblestone path leading around the store. Against the perimeter walls are 10x10 “booths” which we will call Gardens. On each side of the garden entrance will be a small picket fence with flowers painted upon them in one color. Each garden will have a different color, when someone comes in asking for a particular product we can say: Oh, they are in our Red Garden. (rather than they are in booth 5). To the left upon entering will be the open shelving. On the opposite side of the pathway will be the enclosed glass displays, creating an alley. In the middle of the store is the ‘café’ where we will offer a self-serve coffee/ tea/ cocoa bar. Michigan Licensed Bakers will provide the opportunity to purchase small treats to enjoy with your beverage. Both of which you may enjoy at one of several places to sit & recharge while admiring all the wonderful art surround you.
The Classroom
We are removing the majority of the fitting room cubicles to create a Class Room. We see this as having one large table surround by chairs. There will be a camera which will display in the front window with a banner reading ‘such and such’ class now in session, come in now to sign up for their next class on April 3rd. This space is our version of a “Room of requirement’ . You may choose to utilize the room as originally intended – as a class room, a work space for the day- away from distractions, or a meeting space for club, a place to hold gaming competitions, meet with clients to create the perfect piece of Art. This room will rent for $50.00 per day.
Benefits
You have a store front. When attending Art Shows and Craft Fairs, you can say: Yes, my creations can be found in Mi Unique Art at the Howell Tanger Mall. We have business cards made with our name, logo, address and store hours, there is a space for your business name as well. We will continue to make this store about the Michigan Artist / Crafter, about the creativeness of our neighbors.
Fees & Sizes
Our gardens are laid out in 10x10 blocks, however they are not permanent, we can adjust to any size if larger is requested.
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10' x 10' "Garden":100 sqft floor space w/wall. Inc, 2' wide tables "U" pattern Monthly rent: $300.00
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10' x 5' "Shared Garden": 50 sqft floor space w/wall. Inc. 2' wide tables "L" patern Monthly rent: $150.00
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35" glass shelf enclosed: 8" wide top, 10" wide middle or 18" wide bottom. Each shelf Monthly rent $40.00
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70"' x 20" glass shelf enclosed: Monthly rent $100.00
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Open shelving: minimum $25.00. for 4sq feet + $5.00 each additional foot.
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We are NOT charging a commission ! We hope to cover our costs by filling the store with creative people, not by profiting off of their creativeness.
Length of Contract Options
Monthly: required reapply monthly, subject to availability & price change in 4th quarter
Quarterly: required reapply quarterly, subject to availability & price change in 4th quarter
Semi- Annual (6 months): includes use of Classroom 3 times
Annual (12 months): includes use of Classroom 1 time per month (total of 12 times)
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We look forward to a variety of artist, with an ever changing display.
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Rent is due on the 1st of each Month, we will allow for a 5 day grace period. Late fees will then be applied as spelled out in the contract.
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If you pay rent in advance, 3 months or 6 months at one time, we will gift you with the classroom for a day.
Store Hours
Store hours are fluid
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In the First Quarter we are thinking Wednesday - Saturday 10am to 6pm & Sunday 10am to 5pm. We can always stay open later if we desire. We will be open more days and longer hours around the holidays and as the summer approaches.
QR Codes
I ask each vendor to create a printed out page with any and all QR payment codes you may have (Paypal, Venmo, Square, Zelle, etc….) this allows for direct payment even if you are not there.
Advertising
I will again be contracting with WHMI for radio spots and submitting Gift Certificates to be won. I have numerous lawn signs for anyone willing to place them in their yards. (Do not put them on random corners as the city confiscates them, have permission of the land owner first). Flyers will be created for you to pass along to your patrons, friends and family.
Webpage
We have a webpage created, we are waiting to launch until it is populated. Each Vendor will have a page on our site, make your Artist statement, give your story, provide pictures and all of your contact information. A sample and question form will be provided with the contract.
Acceptance
I really only have two rules:
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1) We will limit like vendors based on space size requested and duration of stay. Direct sales vendors are to be the only one of their product ( 1 Avon, 1 streetcolor, 1 pampered chef)
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2) I do not allow “buy/sell”- these are vendors that purchase items off of Wish/ Temu/ Alibaba and the likes, reprice them and sell them. It is acceptable to have a few, complimentary items that are not Michigan made, but 90% must be handcrafted. (example: I sell lanterns that may house my hand carved eggs. I don’t make the lanterns, but they are an accessory to the carvings)
I do not “Jury” the show, because I do not believe it is my place to say what “Art” is! Everyone has different tastes and likes, who am I to judge. After all, there are many Artists works in Park West Gallery that I just don’t get, that’s what makes art wonderful!
Application / Registration
We ask that interested vendors/artists fill out the application. Upon acceptance, we would like to meet to review and complete the contract.
Your space is not held until the contract is singed and payment is received
Your options to apply are
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Utilize the black button to go to the Google Application.
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Request a printable copy via e-mail.
If you have additional questions, or need clarification for any of the information above you are welcome to contact me directly at;
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Pearl R Podlinsek
248-606-8100 (text or call)
Facebook page: Mi Unique Art
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