Huntley’s Shops on Main opens for first full season on Friday

Huntley’s Shops on Main retail incubator program kicks off its first full operating season on Friday.

The 10 storefronts located in the heart of downtown at 11879 Main St. will welcome visitors every weekend through Dec. 20.

Following a successful limited holiday run last winter, the May 1-3 opening weekend marks the true debut of the project’s seasonal incubator program, according to a village news release.

To celebrate the kickoff, visitors who stop by during opening weekend can enter to win a grand raffle basket filled with items contributed by all 10 Shops on Main vendors.

Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Backed by the village of Huntley, the Shops on Main consists of six free-standing outdoor shops and four indoor shops housed within the restored historic Hackett House.

The program was designed specifically to bridge the gap for local entrepreneurs looking to scale up from online operations or local markets into a physical storefront. By lowering the overhead barriers usually associated with traditional commercial leases, the village is giving creators hands-on experience running a brick-and-mortar storefront while actively boosting the local economy, the release said.

“Shops on Main represents the journey of local entrepreneurs who are turning their dreams into reality,” said Village President Tim Hoeft. “It is exciting to see years of planning and community support come together in such a meaningful way. We are proud to provide this platform to support small business growth, and we look forward to seeing these storefronts bring new energy and shopping options to our vibrant downtown.”

The 2026 vendor lineup features a mix of fashion, handmade specialty items, and gourmet culinary finds:

Boutique style and lifestyle

• Bare Rags: Neutral modern apparel and lifestyle pieces.

• Paige Eighteen Boutique: Trendy women’s clothing and accessories.

• The Find — Vintage + Thrift: Carefully selected vintage apparel and unique finds.

• Wild In Ink: A blend of clothing, accessories, home décor, and poetry items.

Artisan gifts and makers

• chARM candy collection: Specialty jewelry and charms designed primarily for children.

• DD Creations Studio: Custom-made gifts and personalized items.

• Huntley Art Hub Gallery: An artist-led gallery featuring local fine art and jewelry.

• Sew Mine: Hand-picked fabrics, unique sewing kits, and inspiration for local makers.

Gourmet & kitchen

• The Chef Shoppe: Spice blends and unique kitchen essentials.

• Pots and Pies: Sweet and savory baked goods.

“We are so proud to launch the first full season of the Shops on Main,” says Melissa Stocker, development manager for the village of Huntley. “Our goal is to create synergy between these emerging small businesses and the vibrant surrounding area. We want residents to explore all that Huntley has to offer — from our downtown dining and existing retailers to these new entrepreneurial shops. It’s the perfect way to meet the business owners and discover high-quality gifts, everyday finds and specialty items while supporting the growth of our local business community.”

For more information about the vendors or upcoming special event hours, visit HuntleyShopsonMain.com and follow along for updates on Facebook and Instagram.