Glendale’s Artsakh Creative Retail Pop-Up Accelerator Program Welcomes New Tenants

GLENDALE  – In its continued effort to support and uplift local businesses, the City of Glendale’s highly successful Artsakh Creative Retail Pop-Up Accelerator Program is proud to announce the addition of two new tenants: No Easy Props, a hip-hop studio for all ages and skill levels, offering a dynamic space to learn, grow, and express through movement and Wallflower Market LA, a female-run pop-up marketplace that champions small businesses and community collaboration.

Now in its 5th phase, the Artsakh Creative Retail Program supports small business owners looking to grow into brick-and-mortar stores by providing six months of free rent in City-owned units on the Artsakh Paseo.

The Artsakh Creative Retail Pop-Up Accelerator Program was founded in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many small businesses were struggling to survive. Since its inception, it has been recognized by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) and the American Planning Association (APA) for its innovative approach to helping launch new businesses. Staff have consulted with economic developers from Long Beach, West Hollywood, Santa Clarita, and Ontario, who are looking to replicate the program in their own communities.

“These tenants exemplify the purpose of this program. While they both will help propel Artsakh Avenue as a cultural and arts destination, our city will also benefit as residents and visitors discover these outstanding, community-focused operators,” said Soua Vang, Glendale’s Deputy Director of Economic Development.

Wallflower Market LA will host its soft opening on Saturday, November 30^th, with 10% of sales benefiting Real Good Dog Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving dogs in need and finding them loving homes. This event marks an exciting milestone for Wallflower Market LA as it opens its doors to the community, contributing to both local small business growth and a worthy cause.

No Easy Props Executive Director Asia Yu shared that she applied to the program to establish a presence in Glendale. The space will feature a specialized dance studio and a Hip-Hop-inspired shop offering custom-made clothing, shoes, and accessories, including vinyl collectibles, as well as vintage and throwback Hip-Hop styles. “Spaces for people to connect, learn, and create art are essential for any community. In addition, we can provide more opportunities for people who want to customize their clothing, shoes, and accessories,” said Yu.

No Easy Props will also feature a small studio space for specialized and private street dance classes, workshops for youth and adults, and open sessions for breakers, poppers, lockers, house, and freestyle dancers. The non-profit plans to open on Friday, November 29^th.

These new businesses join other successful tenants on Artsakh, including The Glendale Room comedy club and Paperback Brewing Company.