Initially launched under the umbrella of local creative retail organization San José Made, MOMENT now is a standalone sister brand focusing on the activation of new, empty, or underutilized retail storefront spaces to reduce retail vacancies, increase opportunities for creative small businesses, and help create exciting community-minded destinations.

Located at 112 Paseo de San Antonio, Sueños transforms 1,500 square feet of retail space into an amazing retail experience inspired by the shared Latina culture of creative small businesses La Paloma Imports, MiGi Cera Candles and Cositas Contreras. These three Latina-woman-owned businesses complement each other in product by having an assortment of candles, specialty home goods, decor, clothing, and accessories.

Located at 115 Paseo de San Antonio, Bad Witch Crystals transforms half of the 2,000 square foot space into a crystals and crystal-based jewelry shop while Plant Slut transforms the other half of the space into a plants and plant lifestyle goods shop. These two woman-of-color-owned businesses come together to create a retail experience imbued with youthful energy and distinct personality.

MOMENT Paseo is the second stage of the brand new MOMENT Downtown San José Program, which includes the existing MOMENT San Pedro Square storefronts. In collaboration with the San José Downtown Association and funded by the City of San José, the MOMENT Downtown San José Program significantly lowers the barrier of entry for local creative small businesses to have their retail storefront in downtown San José by providing affordable percentage-based rent terms, space improvement grants, and significant marketing support through MOMENT and its sister company San José Made.

In the selection process for potential tenants, MOMENT prioritizes the importance of small businesses that will help contribute to the greater diversity and retail experience in downtown San José. This includes consciously considering BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and gender non-conforming business owners.

Once confirmed by the MOMENT team, each Program participant signs up for a one-year lease during which time they can establish their store’s presence, build their audience, refine their operational plan, and ultimately assess the viability of having a storefront long-term. At the end of the initial lease duration, the Program participants will have the opportunity to enter direct conversations about leasing their storefront space for a longer duration.