Six pop-up storefronts will come to Market East this summer to fill gaps in struggling Philadelphia corridor

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Some new life will be coming to Philadelphia’s Market East this summer.

Six new businesses will fill the vacant storefronts along the struggling corridor, during what is expected to be a massive tourism season.

The pop-ups include art galleries, a used clothing store, a coffee shop and a water ice spot.

The businesses will operate from May 6 to July 31 along the 900 block of Market Street.

The temporary storefront is operated by Meantime, which is a nonprofit urban design experiment founded by ISA dedicated to enhancing the area to better the community.

Here is a glance at what you can expect to find this summer:

Almost Famous features upcycled clothing, vintage pieces, and live artistic interventions. The space will host artists to work on-site, panel discussions and music events. The brand is Black-owned and female-centered. It will be located at 922 Market Street.

Art Philly is a creative exchange for artists, storytellers and community members with Jos Duncan-Asé’s Love Lab, an initiative from Love Now Media, a Philadelphia-based multimedia production company focused on empathy-centered journalism and storytelling. It will be located at 932-934 Market Street.

Clubfriends Radio & Records serves as a platform for public programming developed in partnership with the Free Library’s Music Department and Curator of Exhibitions to tell stories specific to Philadelphia, fostering connection through music, design and shared cultural experience. It was founded by Alexa Colas, and this is an expansion of its 2025 DesignPhiladelphia installation, I Turned My Living Room Into a Record Store. It will be located at 926 Market Street.

Rarify is a Philadelphia-based platform and gallery dedicated to collectible design and material culture, presenting an exhibition celebration the area’s design legacy. The exhibition features Philadelphia and greater Pennsylvania’s architecture, industrial design, furniture, interiors and craft over the nation’s 250 years. It will be located at 924 Market Street.

Siddiq’s Water Ice, a West Philadelphia staple, is making its Center City debut bringing neighborhood favorites. It will be located at 938 Market Street.

Two Persons Coffee, a popular café based in the Bok Building, is making its Center City debut. It will be located at 920 Market Street.

The properties are owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Comcast.