Woodruff Brokerage Company and Highside Market are excited to announce that StartUP Columbus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs across the Chattahoochee Valley, is expanding its mission with the opening of the retailLAB at Highside Market. The innovative new space will host a soft opening on November 21, followed by an official grand opening celebration on December 1.

The retailLAB marks the next step in StartUP Columbus’s ongoing commitment to grow the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has helped hundreds of local founders start and scale their businesses through mentorship, training, and access to vital resources. The retailLAB now takes that support one step further, offering entrepreneurs a physical space to gain hands-on retail experience in a real marketplace setting.

“The retailLAB will be the first retail incubator of its kind in Columbus,” said the StartUP Columbus team. “Unlike traditional consignment or pop-up models, retailLAB participants will manage their own storefronts full time, learning everything from customer engagement to inventory management. It’s a powerful way to help emerging retailers build the skills and confidence they need to succeed long term.”

Highside Market, a community destination for shopping, dining, and local experiences in Uptown Columbus, provides the ideal setting for this new program.

“The success of any community depends on its ability to empower new ideas and the people behind them,” said Chris Woodruff, President and CEO of Woodruff Brokerage Company. “Supporting entrepreneurs isn’t just good business—it’s essential to the revitalization and renewal of our city. Projects like the retailLAB reflect our shared belief that when we invest in local talent, we invest in the long-term growth and vibrancy of Columbus.”

The StartUP Columbus retailLAB at Highside Market opens November 21 with participating local makers and small businesses ready to welcome shoppers ahead of the holiday season.

You can find more information about StartUP Columbus by visiting startupcolga.org. For updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the pop-up launch, follow StartUP Columbus on Instagram @startupcolga.