The Pop Up Store Faces Repeated Burglaries, Community Rallies to Support
Kevin Woods and his wife launched The Pop Up nearly five years ago, with a mission to share creativity and cultivation with the community. What started as a passion project in their Wicker Park apartment has now become a storefront in Fulton Market, offering curated and rare streetwear, collectibles, sneakers, and clothes sourced from around the country and world.
However, the Business has faced challenges in the form of burglaries. In early February, thieves targeted The Pop Up, prompting Woods to post a heartfelt message on the boarded-up window, urging the culprits to consider the impact of their actions on the small family-owned business and the livelihood of nine local citizens.
Despite this plea, the store was struck by thieves again just 10 days later. The repeated break-ins forced The Pop Up to close temporarily as Woods works to restock inventory and implement added security measures. The burden on small businesses due to such incidents is evident, as Woods emphasizes the importance of continued support from the community.
The impact of these burglaries extends beyond just The Pop Up. As Woods notes, many of his peers and colleagues with businesses in the city are facing similar challenges, highlighting the need for open communication and support within the small business community.
While the recent break-ins have posed significant challenges, Woods remains dedicated to serving the community and persevering in the face of adversity. His resilience has garnered support from customers and the community, with individuals like Allan Weinberger expressing a desire to continue supporting businesses like The Pop Up, which contribute to the vibrant character of the community.
Despite the setbacks, Woods maintains a positive outlook, urging fellow small business owners to press forward and not allow such incidents to deter their mission. However, as of Sunday night, no suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the burglaries.
The repeated burglaries at The Pop Up serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in urban areas. Despite the hardships, Woods and others like him remain committed to their communities, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and unity.
As small business break-ins continue to be reported in various areas of the city, the resilience and determination of entrepreneurs like Kevin Woods highlight the need for collective efforts to support and sustain local businesses.
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