All About Athens Pop-Ups

By Ava Castro

Since moving back to Athens in early August, I think I’ve visited a different local pop-up

shop or festival every weekend! With school starting up again, most of the shops I follow began hosting sales or events to celebrate the new school year and returning students. Being surrounded by these local and sustainable events has reminded me of how much I love pop-ups - and Athens! Shopping at pop-ups gives the shopper a unique experience- new locations, vendors, and items are featured every time you visit, shaking up your typical shopping trip.

You aren't just shopping second hand, but you get a personal touch with each stop. Vendors who create their shops are usually selling their own items or items they found locally, but with the addition of a specialized collection. Say goodbye to sorting through every item on thrift store racks, as pop-ups feature a smaller, but more curated selection. These vendors typically have an overall style with their items, with the most common I’ve seen being vintage or retro inspired.

What some may not know is the popularity these small businesses have in Athens. Being a college town with a young demographic comes more businesses catered to current trends and young adults’ style. With the addition of the Fashion Merchandising students from UGA, many college students and graduates host their own seasonal sales or online shops. Although I love browsing on Depop and Instagram, I find going to the sales and physically being there to rummage through the bins and see what hidden gems are for sale adds to the experience. Not only are you getting a new shopping experience every time, but you get to meet and connect to the vendors, get great deals and bargains, and support locally!

I’ve listed some of my favorite Athens vintage or fashion businesses who host pop-ups regularly or semi-regularly. With the Fall and Holiday season coming up, there will be no shortage of future events! (All of the following are Instagram handles)

@daughtersoflibertevintage features a giant selection of vintage clothes- I was blown away at the size of her collection which filled several racks. Don’t be fooled into thinking pop-ups have a limited selection, her selection is large enough to stock an entire store! This shop is great if you’re looking for feminine vintage clothes and dresses. She hosts sales usually every month on Saturdays!

@priority_vintage is run by a UGA student, Anna Adams, whose clothes are retro style and priced very reasonably! I’ve personally bought several things from Priority, and she has a large range from shoes, to decor, to swimsuits!

@warpedvinylvintage is also run by a UGA student named Mae Renaldo. They feature

more vintage and trendy items for great prices, as well as art pieces and prints!

@apple.fritter.vintage also sells clothes but makes custom orders as well!

@food4livesathens is a campaign to provide vegetarian meals to unhoused Athenians, and as a fundraiser occasionally hosts yard sales! They sell more than just clothes but also jewelry, shoes, plants, and art. They support a great cause and have a big variety and friendly faces!

I hear about these pop-ups usually on Instagram, so I’d recommend following several stores to stay in the loop for when they’re hosted. I also have seen posters posted on campus and downtown about pop-up events, so keep your eyes peeled! You don’t want to miss out on these personalized, well-priced, and sustainable shopping opportunities!