Kevin Woods and his wife started the business out of their Wicker Park apartment about five years ago. This was a passion project to share creativity and nurturing with the community.
They opened a pop-up storefront in Fulton Market selling a selection of rare streetwear, collectibles, sneakers, and clothing. Woods said he frequently travels around the country and around the world to acquire items.
“The mission itself is really to create a platform to launch products from ideas and concepts. This empowers other citizens and requires young people and creative talent,” Woods said. he said. “So its mission is really community-centered.”
The store was robbed in early February. In the wake of the robbery, Woods posted messages on boarded-up windows in hopes of encouraging bad actors to think about how such crimes affect small businesses.
“Chicago, before you rob our store again, please consider the following,” the message said. “Pop-Up is a small family-run business, not a corporation. The destruction or theft of our products impacts the lives of nine local residents. Your meanness will not stop the mission.”
Woods further explained why in an interview with NBC Chicago.
“Rather, it was just letting people know, 'Oh, okay, you want to do this, but it's not like a corporation or a big company,'” Woods said. There are a lot of people and it is difficult to operate when things are stolen. ”
Unfortunately, the thieves struck again just 10 days later.
“It was devastating,” Woods said. “I was under pressure. I was furious to some extent. But as a business owner, you have to think about the next step. You can't die in the water. Think about how to move forward. I have to.”
Recent break-ins have temporarily closed the store, and Woods is stocking up on more items and cleaning out. He said replenishment, added safety measures and temporary closures are all putting a strain on small businesses.
“I sincerely hope that the public continues to support small businesses,” Woods said.
After the break-in, the community took notice of his signs.
“I love coming here. When I heard there was another attack, I wanted to stop by,” said customer Alan Weinberger. “I think it's people like Kevin and his family that make this community so vibrant. We need to maintain that and continue to support them.”
Woods is not alone in his struggles.
“All my other colleagues, my colleagues who have businesses in the city, are going through the same thing,” he said. “the [about] Staying open and communicating with them to make sure they're getting the support they need and how not only my store but the community has come together and come together and how we… We are trying to figure out if we can continue to operate in this area. this environment. ”
Despite the trespass, Woods said he is dedicated to the community and persistent.
“If you quit now, they win,” he said. “Just keep moving forward, that’s all you can do.”
As of Sunday night, no one was in custody in connection with the robbery.
NBC 5 reports on several other small business break-ins in the West Loop and throughout the city.
