501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Where Culture Meets Commerce
The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop is a community-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to opportunity through creativity, education, and enterprise.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop is a community-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to opportunity through creativity, education, and enterprise.
The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop believes entrepreneurship and creative expression are powerful pathways to confidence, ownership, and lasting stability, especially in communities where access to resources and support may be limited.
Core Pillars
Supporting artists, creators, and makers whose work shapes cultural identity and opens new pathways for visibility.
Mentorship, exposure, and experiential learning that expands awareness and equips individuals with tools for growth.
Economic participation and ownership — creating environments where businesses grow, connect, and contribute to community wellbeing.
Asaad Thorne
Executive Director & Founder
The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop
The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop started with a vision to create space for businesses to be seen, for culture to be celebrated, and for community to come together in a way that felt real, energetic, and intentional. Twelve years later, what began as an idea has grown into a tradition and a cross-generational celebration.
What continues to inspire me most is the people behind it all. The entrepreneurs, supporters, sponsor partners, and attendees who give this event its spirit. Thank you for growing with us and believing in what we're building. We're proud of the journey so far...
...and even more excited for what comes next.
— Asaad Thorne
Every year, our mission comes to life in Downtown Greensboro. A curated marketplace and cultural activation that draws thousands and creates real visibility and economic opportunity for participating businesses.
About the EventNorth Carolina A&T's Homecoming, known as GHOE, is one of the most celebrated HBCU traditions in the country. It represents reunion, pride, memory, and return. This year is especially monumental as it is the centennial celebration, GHOE100.
The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop exists within this cultural landscape. Not as a detached vendor market, but as a living part of the weekend's energy.
Stay in the LoopCulturally vibrant, intentionally curated, built around community.
Handpicked vendors, emerging brands, and community-centered makers.
Music, atmosphere, and the unmistakable electricity of Homecoming weekend.
Alumni reunions, student discovery, and family traditions. A gathering that feels familiar.
Direct sales, brand visibility, and audience-building for participating entrepreneurs.
Our audience is as diverse as the culture we celebrate.
The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop is where businesses get seen. We curate a marketplace of makers, creators, and entrepreneurs who show up, stand out, and connect with thousands of engaged attendees.
What Vendors Are Saying
"My absolute favorite event at GHOE, we've participated for 8 years. The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop is the perfect mix of homecoming energy and networking. We sell out of our watches every year! Highly recommend it to any vendor looking to elevate their brand and connect with the Aggie community!"
"For the past six years, being a vendor at the Ultimate Pop Up Shop has been one of the highlights of my year. The Aggie pride is absolutely electric, and there's nothing like being surrounded by a culture that celebrates excellence, entrepreneurship, and community. Every year, I'm reminded why legacy is so special. The energy, the people, and the support are simply unmatched!"
"I've participated in the Ultimate Pop-Up Shop since 2022 & it's been an amazing experience, allowing me to reach all ages of NC A&T alumni. It's been a major driver in Nineoh7's revenue growth and continues to be one of our biggest vending events every homecoming season. This is a great market for any brand to meet new customers and expand their reach!"
"The Ultimate Pop Up Shop has become one of the can't miss events of Homecoming weekend. Every year we've been a part of it, we've connected with new customers, built relationships with other business owners, and watched the crowds grow bigger and bigger. It's more than just a 'pop up.' This event represents what Homecoming is really about: community, culture, and supporting your own."
"My experience with the pop up has always been great, great vibes and great people. The pop up is community, it's a time when we come together and show love and support. I will always show up and show support because I believe in the mission and dedication."
"The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop is always a great experience, we've participated for 6 years. The energy feels like family every time — full of love, culture, and people genuinely supporting one another. Seeing my books connect with so many people and sell well each year is always a blessing."
"For the past 5 years, The Staton Wood Company has proudly participated in the Ultimate Pop Up Shop, and it has become one of our favorite community experiences each year. Every detail feels curated with the supporters in mind, creating an atmosphere that is welcoming, intentional, and exciting — the vibes of a day party while still celebrating Black business, community, and Aggie pride."
"I've participated in The Ultimate Pop-up for about 8 years now. The Aggie love & support there is unmatched! Every year surpasses the year before."
We accept a curated selection of new vendors each year. Applications are reviewed for fit, quality, and alignment with our community values. We curate our vendor selection meticulously to ensure a quality and diverse experience for all attendees.
Application Open July 2026Sponsoring The Ultimate Pop-Up Shop connects your organization to thousands of engaged, community-driven attendees during one of Greensboro's most culturally significant weekends of the year.
Vendor applications, event dates, and announcements — straight to your inbox.