Medford Announces Latest Addition of its Retail Pop-Up Incubator Program

The latest retail location from the Project: Pop-Up Medford program, opened at 348 Boston Avenue near Tufts University on December 1, 2025. UpNext, Tufts University and the City of Medford are collaborating to support local entrepreneurs by providing access to retail space to test their business ventures and foster a vibrant retail district.

Currently, one business occupies the storefront for the second round of Project: Pop-Up Medford. The business participating is Elephant in the Room, a purpose-driven apparel and dog-inspired art retailer. The program can support two additional brands in the storefront, and UpNext is currently seeking applications, so please apply now. Visit Medford’s Project Pop-Up webpage for more information on applying and eligibility requirements.

Participating entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pilot their products in a brick-and-mortar setting in a rent-free space and have access to business development resources aimed at helping them succeed in a retail environment. The pop-up retail shop will run from December 2025 through February 2026. Elephant in the Room is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

By using the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant funds, the City of Medford funds this opportunity specifically for low-to-moderate income Medford Residents who operate a micro-enterprise, which is a business with fewer than five employees. UpNext manages applicant selection and collaboratively, with the City of Medford and Tufts University, vets applicants for their ability to thrive in the pop-up environment. It is the shared goal for UpNext, Tufts University, and City of Medford to have  a curated mix of three complementary brands that would thrive together in a shared space, for a collaborative pop-up experience.

The City of Medford’s Office of Planning, Sustainability, and Development is available to answer any questions potential applicants may have. Please contact Kayla Myros, Economic Development Planner, at kmyros@medford-ma.gov or 781-393-2480.

This program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) CDBG program. All grants under this program are subject to the availability of CDBG funding from HUD and the continued eligibility of the City to receive such funds.