Fledgling businesses, or ones looking to move to Suffolk, will benefit along with consumers from the Retail Alliance’s upcoming “ReStored” initiative.

The “pop-up shop” will take place Nov. 14-15 and provide merchants the chance to test a new market and reach new customers without the start-up costs.

“If they’re entrepreneurs and haven’t got a storefront, this is a great way without cost to try it out for a weekend,” said Kylie Sibert, vice president for corporate communications for Retail Alliance.

For merchants that do have a storefront in other localities, “Some of these people already have customers from Suffolk, so it’s a way to engage with those people,” Sibert said.

Several merchants are already signed on to participate, Sibert said, including a cat groomer, a knitting and yarn specialty store and a shop specializing in all things Celtic.

The pop-up shop will take place in the first floor of the Professional Building at the corner of Main and Washington streets. If enough businesses want to participate, other spaces throughout the downtown area also will be open.

Economic Development Director Kevin Hughes said the program has many positives, including the opportunity to drive traffic to other businesses already in the downtown area.

“We tried to pick a date and a weekend that would continue to drum up some activity and excitement,” Hughes said. Restaurant Week will be going on that weekend, and the Lipton 60th anniversary celebration will take place that Sunday.

“It really has positive potential on multiple fronts,” Hughes said.

There are different sizes and shapes available depending on the needs of the business, Sibert said. Wooden pallets will separate each space and can be used to hang merchandise.

“It’s more of a grassroots-level feel to it,” Sibert said.

Businesses interested in participating can contact Katherine Seibt at kseibt@retailalliance.com or 965-3000, or Deanna Holt at dholt@suffolkva.us or 514-4049.