Pool Together Reimagines a Big Box for Small Businesses

When a big box store in Mesa, AZ, shuttered its doors for the last time, it was not celebrated in the way some communities rally for the closing of a Walmart Superstore. In fact, in its last days, families came to Mervyn’s to reminisce about buying their kid’s first shoes and prom dresses. In a neighborhood where the streets are wide and summers hit 112°F, the 40 year old department store was a community institution. But economics being what they are, it closed nonetheless in 2008, leaving a 41,000 sq ft shell.

In stepped Skyler Hynes and Brad Weinstock, who became interested in finding what was to be next for this vast space when approached by the building’s owner. Remarkably, the duo begin their research by knocking on doors throughout the neighborhood, asking community members what they needed. Shopping and jobs were the overwhelming answers, but they didn’t want more of the same. Instead of cookie-cutter options and low-level employment, they heard a cry for a chance to start their own businesses, or the opportunity to see if their kitchen-table companies could really take flight.

Thus was born POOL Together: a small business incubator, a local alternative shopping experience, a community center, and an exciting new chapter in Mesa’s history. Recently opened to the public in July 2010, the space currently houses about 40 small businesses, from a coffeeshop, jewelry makers, and a florist, to custom embroidery, large-scale printing, and interior design, with plenty of room for more. With custom build-outs accommodating both retail and service businesses, the effect is a cross between an industrial warehouse, an artist loft, office cubicles, and an outdoor flea market. There is also a stage and a mobile lounge/reception area, allowing a diverse range of community events to take place, including an upcoming martial arts expo, mystery theatre, kids events, and art walks.

On staff of POOL are the two managing directors, covering everything from media relations to building maintenance; Leasing Director Pam Paes, charged with populating the shared retail space and curating the array of vendors; a visual merchandiser; and a custodial crew. But even more unique is the collaborative ethos that rises when you put several dozen new businesses (who notably are not in direct competition with one another) under one roof. The embroidery folks make aprons for the coffee shop. The large-format printer makes signs for the building and for other businesses. The interior designer paints the workspaces and booths around her. They help each other with everything from finding the mop, to sharing great banking resources and offering hands-on tutorials for those who are working a cash register for the first time. Each has a distinct investment in seeing the whole endeavor succeed, and that means making sure their neighbors maintain, and attract, business.

POOL Together was one of the first stops on our Sheepless Nation! Tour, just days before their grand opening. The small business owners were applying final coats of paint to their storefronts, making an extra pot of coffee for the workers, and filling orders as fast as they could. All were excited for the opportunity to take their business to the next level, and grateful for the chance to do it right in their own community. We’ll be following POOL’s progress.