Pop-Up Shops Coming to Downtown Bremerton: A Smart Opening for Local Entrepreneurs
11 Sep 2025
Seattle FWC 2026, FIFA, #Bremerton
Calling All to Entrepreneurs to Seize the World Cup Moment
The City of Bremerton recently approved a new program allowing pop-up shops in downtown storefronts for up to 60 days during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s a simple idea with a lot of potential: fill empty spaces, bring more energy downtown, and give small businesses a chance to try something new.
For local entrepreneurs, this could be a low-risk way to test a product, launch a short-term venture, or build awareness with both residents and visitors.
Why It Matters
- Increased foot traffic: The downtown Fan Zone will bring people from near and far, which means more eyes on your business.
- Short-term commitment: You don’t need to sign a long lease to participate. The 60-day window is designed for flexibility.
- Downtown vitality: Pop-ups make the area more inviting and help neighboring businesses, too.
Tips for Making It Work
- Start planning early. Think about what you could offer that fits a short-term setup.
- Look for visibility. The right storefront location will make a big difference.
- Keep it simple. Lightweight displays, small menus, or focused product lines will make set-up and tear-down easier.
- Collaborate. Team up with other businesses, cross-promote, and tap into World Cup energy.
Resources and more information:
Downtown Bremerton Association (DBA)
DBA will be identifying possible spaces to occupy for the 60-day window, start curating small businesses, makers, artists, and first-time retailers who want to test a pop-up in Bremerton, and begin outreach with property owners to start the conversation on availability and fit, she said.
Application fee is $400. Applicants can email a completed packet to TaxInfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Bremerton is opening the door — now it’s up to entrepreneurs to decide what to do with it.
Whether you’re a maker, a food vendor, or someone with a business idea you’ve been waiting to test, this program offers a chance to experiment without a long-term commitment. And if things go well, a pop-up could be the first step toward something more permanent.
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