OKC retail update: Chisholm Creek rolling with the punches

Editor's note: this is the second piece in a short series focusing on recent OKC retail updates. Check out "Retail roundup: New retailers, new opportunities in open-air centers" for more.

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While 2020 has presented retailers with many challenges, Chisholm Creek has rolled with the punches and has actually expanded its square footage with its newest addition, The Shops at Market Street, and added several new concepts to its dining and retail offerings.

The Shops at Market Street is a new strip of boutique retailers at Chisholm Creek. The new addition opened in March and features an impressive mix of local flair and new-to-market national brands. Established local retailers like Plenty Mercantile, Shop Good, OKC Soda and Apple Tree Chocolate have opened locations there as well as national-restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick.

From the beginning, the right mix of local retailers and national chains has been important to Chisholm Creek’s development.  

“We’ve got a good mix, about half local and half not local,” said Whitney Rainbolt, chief marketing officer for the development. “We like to have local tenants, but we are very particular. If they are local it needs to be somebody really, really special in Oklahoma City.”

One of the new stars to open at The Shops at Market Street fits the bill. Domenico Coffee and Dessert Bar is the latest concept from Laura Szyld and Matt Ruggi who also own local-favorite Ganache Patisserie, which is also located at Chisholm Creek. Domenico opened in July and features everything to quench your sweet tooth including ice cream, cookies, crepes, sundaes and more. They also offer savory crepes, sandwiches and a full cocktail bar.

It’s not all eating and shopping, as it’s not rare to see yoga and cycle bar classes being held outdoors by Chisolm Creek’s pond.  

The Shops at Market Street has done nothing but add to the place making at Chisholm Creek. 

Retail roundup: New retailers, new opportunities in open-air centers

“When creating Chisholm Creek, we really wanted to create a place where people gather, where they truly live, work and play,” said Rainbolt. “I think creating an experience is important.”

Almost every weekend, especially when the weather is nice, visitors can find an event happening at the development. Concerts at the Creek feature live music every Thursday and Friday night and Coffee & Cars happens the first Saturday of every month. Special events like Battle of the Brews and a Halloween party for kids are just examples of the types of activities Chisholm Creek offers.

The current pandemic has done nothing but increase the need for retailers to get creative and offer something different.

“Even before the pandemic, for brick-and-mortar retailers to succeed they needed to provide a unique experience to consumers,” said Tammy Fate, senior manager for retail development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “Chisholm Creek continues to excel in this area from outdoor fire pits, live music, light show, workout classes, playground, comfy couches, water features, games and artwork. The energy and vibe at Chisholm Creek allows consumers to visit a variety of shops and bring the entire family for an evening of entertainment.”

The Shops at Market Street aren’t the only new additions to Chisholm Creek.

Chicken Foot is the latest venture from Provision Concepts and opened in September. Provision Concepts is responsible for local restaurants such as Broadway 10, SideCar, Hatch and Birra Birra.

“Chicken Foot is traditional southern comfort food like fried chicken, fried chicken sandwiches and coleslaw,” said Aaron Soward, co-found of Provision Concepts. “We have a scratch kitchen so everything is made fresh daily.”

It was also recently announced that Red Solo Pup would be opening at Chisholm Creek in the spring of 2021. Red Solo Pup is a new concept that combines an off-leash dog park with a restaurant and bar. The 1.1-acre dog park will include separate areas for large and small dogs and feature mixed surfaces like turf, granite and mulch. The menu will include items like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and salads.