CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A giant pop-up this weekend is expected to bring in $500,000 to more than 100 locally owned small businesses. The Girl Tribe pop-up is a much-needed boost after many of the vendors almost went under because of the pandemic.
It's one of the largest pop-ups in the southeast and features mostly women-owned businesses.
In 2022, the pop-up is taking over the Charlotte Convention Center. There will be clothing, jewelry, food and more for sale.
"Typically, we’ll see $500,000 spent across all of our vendors, so it’s a huge impact for all these women-owned businesses," Girl Tribe co-founder Carrie Barker said.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
Alicia Shope designs earrings made from clay that are sold at a handful of boutiques but mostly online, which means pop-ups are a big part of her overall sales.
"It's super important," Shope said. "The Girl Tribe pop-ups are my best as far as my highest volume of sales. I definitely depend on it."
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, those sales suddenly stopped.
"All of 2020, all pop-ups were canceled -- that was the main source of revenue for most of our vendors," Barker explained.
Barker, like her vendors, is grateful Girl Tribe is back in person and in a big way.
"I think there’s a really strong return to in-person retail," Barker said. "We’re seeing online is doing great, but we’re seeing stores, there’s an energy and electricity of people just wanting to connect in person. I feel like attendance is going to be through the roof."
The event is on Saturday, April 30 from noon to 5 p.m. Find all the information about Girl Tribe or get tickets ahead of time by visiting the event's website.
Contact Michelle at mboudin@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.