The nonprofit Elder Care Alliance held its first “pop-up shop” Feb. 8 at AlmaVia of Camarillo, Camarillo, CA.

Ten percent of proceeds of the test effort are benefitting the Red Cross Woolsey Fire Relief Fund.

“Elder Care Alliance is pursuing this pilot out of a keen interest in exploring the concept of pop-up shops in the assisted living setting,” the Elder Care Alliance said. “The organization maintains a strong interest in assisting entrepreneurs in accessing the expertise of older adults and those who support them for new product development.”

The initial 10-by-10 temporary shop tested the viability of co-marketing adaptive clothing, specifically pajamas, which can be difficult for some older adults to easily get on and off. Elder Care Alliance chose Dignity Pajamas, a woman-owned Los Angeles-based company, to participate; the company’s pajamas as made in the United States. Residents, family members and staff members were invited to shop the exclusive Elder Care Alliance-Dignity Pajamas “Love Series.”

“Exploring ways to integrate older adults and their families into the design and merchandising of products aimed to meet their needs is a priority for Elder Care Alliance,” said Rosemary Jordan, vice president of business development and strategy at Elder Care Alliance. She hosted the pilot with AlmaVia of Camarillo Executive Director Matthew Hathway.

Such shops, Hathway said, “will also support more opportunities for exploration of how pop-up shops can stimulate community and conversation, reducing loneliness and isolation.”

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