Pop’s Midtown in Mobile, Alabama, is a family-owned shop offering decorations, fresh flowers and more, all with a strong community focus.
What began a few years back as a front-yard vegetable stand took root and grew into Pop’s Midtown, a unique family-owned business in Mobile, Alabama, that supplies seasonal and holiday necessities, from a staggering array of Mardi Gras décor, fashion and throws to pumpkins, Christmas decorations and spring flowers. Josh and Mandi Cameron, the owners of Pop’s (named for grandfather Papa and fathers Poppa and Poppi), share their unique business.
What is the story behind Pop’s?
Mandi: So, we had the idea of selling corn, watermelon and tomatoes on a 6-foot table in our front yard on Mohawk Street. We loved having our neighbors come by, then neighbors from a block over came by, then people from Fairhope, and it just kept growing. We opened our Midtown store in 2020.
What makes Pop’s such a unique part of the Mobile community?
Mandi: This building in Midtown has a lot of memories for people. It has been everything from a grocery store to a pawn shop to an Army and Navy store. It was empty when we got it, but we wanted to keep it a family place where we could continue to be personally engaged with our customers. We are community-oriented, change with the seasons and adapt to meet people’s needs.
What special events and traditions do you most recommend to newcomers?
Mandi: LoDa ArtWalk is a great family-friendly event where you see so many different artists and makers. I love the Greater Gulf State Fair, the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo and anything at Bellingrath Gardens (65 acres of gardens and the estate of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath). Explore downtown, see Government Street, the old trees, the Spanish moss, the beautiful historic homes. Try the seafood! Have a good crawfish boil. Or have a burger from Callaghan’s. No matter what you’re looking to do, there’s something here for you.
Josh: Go to Mardi Gras! You can’t describe it until you’ve actually experienced it. It’s a hodgepodge that brings people together.
What’s the best part of doing business in Mobile?
Mandi: It’s an interesting time to be in business here. Mobile is on an upswing. The secret is out; we see more interest and more people who want to spend their time and their dollars here. I am excited to see where Mobile will be in 10 years.
Josh: Mobile still has this Southern hospitality feel, where you want to go and have face-to-face conversation with people. That’s what I love about doing business in Mobile…