Studies show that generational economic empowerment in urban communities is linked to entrepreneurial success. The best way to improve urban communities and provide jobs is to strengthen local businesses.
Today, black consumers constitute roughly over $1 trillion in buying power, yet only $0.02 cents of every dollar circulates back into black-owned businesses, notes Michelle Dalzon, founder of TheBOM. “In comparison to other communities, the black community has a long way to go before we see the dollar stay in our community for a sustained period.â€
To that end, TheBOM is offering a market experience, which provides access to popular, black-owned brands through hosting its inaugural pop-up event in downtown Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, December 11.
Founded to help support black-owned businesses, TheBOM connects business owners to their intended consumers, with the mission to increase the circulation of the black dollar. “Our hope is to create a collaborative movement, where others are inspired to support and follow suit. Through the pop-up event, we are creating a destination where people can shop conveniently, while supporting black brands they love,†adds Dalzon.
Benefits of a Pop-Up Shop
Pop-up shops are physical stores that retailers inhabit on a short-term basis, such as 30, 60, or 90 days. Some shops may even pop up for one day only. According to PopUp Insider, an industry newsletter, pop-ups can be holiday stores, concept stores, galleries, exhibitions, or cafe/restaurant promotions, but they involve a tenant taking empty retail or commercial real estate, outfitting it to suit their business needs, and then operating the space on a short-term basis with a finite assortment of goods.
These temporary stores generally produce extra income, but small business owners increasingly use them as promotional tools and test labs for merchandise. Manufacturers, designers, and online retailers will use pop-ups to decide whether to open an actual store.
Participating vendors at TheBOM’s pop-up event will have the opportunity to showcase their brands to 400 shoppers, in a uniquely styled space curated by TheBOM. The event will feature lounges, a live art installation and photo booth experience, in addition to a marketplace that features vendors across multiple industries. A new video showcasing local, NYC-based business owners will go live on its website every Sunday, in a roll-out to the event.
TheBOM Vendors
Here are just a few of the vendors that you can expect to see at TheBOM’s pop-up shopping event this year:
- Debra Cartwright:Â She is a watercolor artist, who is dedicated to spreading #BlackGirlMagic. Debra’s work has been featured in Essence, Ebony, and Issa Rae’s Insecure.
- Ronald Draper: A message driven artist, Ronald Draper was born and raised in Harlem, New York. Draper serves as the Director of Contemporary Arts and Culture at Harlem Hospital Center, and he is the Head of the Arts Department for the Eagle Academy for Young Men at Ocean Hill.
- TracyChambers Vintage: Named after Diana Ross’ character in Mahogany, Tracy Chambers Vintage was born out of the love for vintage treasure hunting. Upon stepping into her parlor, you will enter a ladies only zone (LOZ), where women will talk style, womanhood, and how to be your badass self.
- eLo Lipcare: This is lip balm re-imagined, for luxurious lip care without the use of chemicals. It does not include parabens, salicylic acid, phenol, gluten, or beeswax.
- Lorraine West Jewelry: Made from precious metals–including gold, sterling silver, and copper–and inspired by symbology and geometric shapes, Lorraine West creates elegant pieces.
- skin BUTTR: This is a beauty brand comprised of natural body and skin care products. Both the body and skin care lines are designed to leave your skin fresh and glowing.