One of the unique aspects of Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem is the deep involvement of big companies in mentoring, developing and supporting new companies. P&G’s Tide division has taken that commitment to a new level with the opening of
Preneur, its new retail space on Walnut Street in Over-the-Rhine that will sell products developed or manufactured by local entrepreneurs.
“While it is unusual, it makes sense,” says store manager Stephanie Bohanon. “P&G is a company started by entrepreneurs in Cincinnati. Now a department of that company is celebrating the very essence of innovation in Cincinnati through small businesses. Tide benefits by displaying some of its newer products to sell and receive feedback as well.”
Preneur will feature regional small businesses and entrepreneurs that are looking for a space to showcase and sell their products. The store also boasts a commissioned graffiti piece by Max Thomas of the Midwest artist collective
Often Seen Rarely Spoken.
Ten local businesses are currently featured at Preneur:
- Arkadiance is an integrated skin care collection that includes traditional lotions and creams, as well as nutraceuticals and teas.
- Craftastically Made is an Etsy shop that creates fashion items, including hair accessories and baby items.
- Funky Artsy uses natural stones in one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.
- Handzy designs colorful stationery items, including greeting cards, art prints, invitations and gift wrap.
- Jumper Threads rebooted the basic men’s undershirt with a comfortable, well-made and fitted design.
- Kaya Leather features unisex leather bracelets, cuffs and earrings, featuring unique stained colors and patterns.
- Koch Sporting Goods offers a range of sports apparel, specifically an FC Cincinnati line.
- Native Brand produces casual clothing with Cincinnati-centric themes.
- Rhinomed developed nasal technology products to improve athletic performance and reduce snoring.
- Urban Blooms is a social enterprise that produces living wall features that make an artistic statement while improving indoor air quality.
The products currently for sale at Preneur are an eclectic mix. Going forward, the store intends to keep a wide range of goods but is considering organizing the featured businesses around themes.
“We will be rotating our partners on a one- to two-month basis, with potential to come back at a later time,” says Bohanon. “Moving forward, I'm reaching out to different companies to partner with us.”
In addition to the guest companies, Tide is also featuring some of its new products at Preneur, including Tide Studio detergents. The product line is formulated to clean specific fabrics including denim, activewear, prints and delicates.
“These are concentrated formulas for your one-off pieces that need a little extra attention,” says Bohanon. “One cap full per piece does the job. We also have
mytide.com, where you can log on, take a survey and create your own bottle of Tide detergent. Questions range from fabric type to boosters, to custom scent and labeling the bottle as well. The detergent is then shipped to your house.”
Preneur, located at 1333 Walnut, is open Tuesday-Sunday.
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