Attract to NoMa, Incubate, and Support an Intentional Mix of Retail Businesses
Intentionally cultivating locally owned businesses, businesses that speak to the identity and culture of NoMa, and businesses owned by women and/or BIPOC helps to complement current retail and forge a resilient and empowering retail community for the future.
While NoMa’s retail profile is strong, targeted investments of time, resources, and the attention will result in a vibrant retail community in partnership with the residents and workers in the neighborhood.
Progress on this initiative in 2024 included:
- Redesigning and launching a new BID website, with an interactive business directory, to drive digital door swings and entice more foot traffic, shoppers, and diners to the neighborhood.
- Launching the NoMa Retail Store by offering both mural prints and apparel with profit- sharing between the BID and the artists’ whose creations are featured in the limited-edition merchandise.
- Establishing the BID’s first Retail Opportunity Fund, which provided $70,000 in grants to eight local businesses to enhance their storefronts and contribute to a more vibrant streetscape in NoMa.
- Attracting exciting regional fixtures and one-ofa-kind businesses to make their home in NoMa, including Ted’s Bulletin, Nice & Easy, Chopsmith, and Manifest, a tavern and speak-easy.
- Expanding the Metropolitan Beer Trail, a free digital passport and prize-incentivized marketing program, and inviting thousands of customers to visit 11 NoMa and NoMa-adjacent breweries and bars accessible from the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
- Supporting one-of-a-kind pop-up activations at parks and public spaces with vendors like Gelat-oh, a female and Black-owned startup.
- Prioritizing meeting BID procurement needs via NoMa and NoMa-adjacent businesses, including event support, printing, catering, and more.
- Promoting and providing information on BID services to new and returning businesses to improve their chances of success in the marketplace.
- Convening quarterly business social events to establish a strong network of BID-led and peer-based support for business owners and managers.
- Incubating a concert series at Swampoodle Terrace to activate the corner of Third and L Streets and trialing the sale of tickets to a performance sponsored by the non-profit District Coalition.
- Relocating the NoMa Farmers Market to Third Street, which resulted in a 100% increase in weekly attendance, a 40% increase in regular vendors, and increased interest in retail leasing along the corridor.
- Completing the first phase of the NoMa Meander, a North Capitol-adjacent public plaza space that will create an enhanced experience for pedestrians and attract new businesses.
Targeted work on this initiative for 2025 will include:
- Opening the cafe at Alethia Tanner Park.
- Expanding the NoMa BID retail experience.
- Helping to promote the opportunity of vacant retail spaces and engage with retail brokers directly.
- Expanding the activation strategy for the box car space at Swampoodle Terrace.
A Magnetic NoMa is Vibrant
Pillars: Brand & Reputation Economic Development Inclusivity Play