Swiftly Vintage is the creative vision of Donna Lindsey and a pursuit more than a decade in the making. Inspired by her extensive travels, the boutique pop-up store in South Downtown features an exclusive collection of vintage clothing, accessories and home décor that Donna has sourced and curated from around the world.
Donna began selling her unique finds out of her loft in Castleberry Hills, during Castleberry Hills Art Stroll events and by appointment. But it wasn’t until the months leading up to the FIFA World CupTM when Donna learned about the Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund and realized she could open a storefront of her own.
“I was so grateful when I discovered what was being offered to help small businesses like mine grow to the next stage,” says Donna. “It has been truly a wonderful experience meeting all the different investors and their support of making my dream come true and also supporting Downtown Atlanta and South Downtown.”
Swiftly Vintage is just one of dozens of new and pop-up businesses that opened their doors in the heart of Atlanta, including the historic Sweet Auburn and Edgewood corridors, South Downtown, Castleberry Hill, along Luckie Street and beside the newly reopened The CTR at 190 Marietta. For many, these storefronts were made possible by the Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund, a partnership with Downtown Atlanta, Inc. and Invest Atlanta, with support from Showcase Atlanta. The fund was conceived by Invest Atlanta and financed through resources from the Eastside and Westside Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) to help eligible landlords and businesses make targeted physical improvements to tenant spaces with potential for near-term occupancy.
"Downtown Atlanta is experiencing an exciting wave of momentum as new businesses open their doors, bring new energy to our vibrant streets and create opportunities for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs alike," says Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “This progress also highlights the importance of Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding as a powerful tool to support small businesses, activate commercial corridors and create vibrant destinations that strengthen our local economy.”
Together with its partners, Invest Atlanta has invested over $1.5 million to help Atlanta’s small business community prepare for World Cup visitors and other upcoming mega events that will bring lasting economic opportunities for years to come.
While Donna originally planned to be in her location on Mitchell Street until mid-September, the level of foot traffic in her store may very well extend that timeline. “Business is booming, and I expect it to continue,” says Donna. “I will be here in South Downtown, supporting South Downtown, for years to come.”
Through initiatives such as the Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund, Invest Atlanta has supported a wave of new businesses opening in the neighborhood. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs test concepts while creating lasting investment in downtown corridors.
Other businesses that have recently open their doors include:
- Sweet Me Good: Handcrafted pastries, 321 Edgewood Ave. NE
- At Ease ATL: Wellness apothecary and herbal goods, 348 Auburn Ave. NE
- Hell Yeah! Gluten Free: Gluten-free bakery and coffee, 145 Auburn Ave. NE
- Civil Bikes: Bike and walking tours of Sweet Auburn’s history and culture, 460 Edgewood Ave. SE
- Amazing Atlanta Tours: A collective of the city’s top tour operators, 93 Broad St. SW
- Urban Tea Party: Immersive cultural tea experiences, 75 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. NE
- CheRene Macarons: French macarons with Southern flavors, 75 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. NE
- Dough in the Box: Family-owned neighborhood donut shop, 239 Mitchell St. SW
- Kicks Sweet Treats: Artisan gelato, smoothies, acai bowls near top attractions, 107 Luckie St. NW, Suite B
- Unexpected Atlanta: Award-winning food crawls, history tours, cooking classes, 121 Luckie St. NW
- The Juicy Truth: Honest, wellness-focused juices, Koncept House, 141 Mangum St. SW, Suite 151 A
- Art in the Paint: Retail-driven cultural hub showcasing Atlanta artists, brands and community, The CTR, 190 Marietta St. NW, Suite 221
- Be Kind ATL: Curated gift shop celebrating local makers, 201 Peachtree St. NE