By Lindsey Lam, March 10, 2026
Music boomed through the Bronco Commons as the sun slowly descended behind the residential suites Feb. 26. Chatter filled the air and lines grew as the event went into full swing. Fairy lights strung up on lamp posts flickered on, and more students arrived to wander through booths and tables of student vendors.
For many of those student vendors, the third annual Bronco Marketplace was their first time showcasing their art and creations to the Bronco community.
The event featured different types of vendors such as Greek life, student clubs and student-run business. Cal Poly Pomona’s Associated Students Inc. welcomed more than 30 vendors, including two food trucks and live music from student performers. Vendors brought their own creations including clothing, prints and hand-made goodies.
Apparel merchandising and management student Andrea Avalos brought her designs to the event with ApparelScapes, a student-run boutique. Located in front of the table was her shirt designs for her streetwear collection.
“I noticed a gap in the merchandise market as there wasn’t enough designs for men,” Avalos said. “I designed the shirts to have a baggy, boxy vibe because that’s what’s trendy with men nowadays.”
The table also showcased their tote bag line that emphasized the farming aspect of CPP, featuring designs of cows, horses and horseshoes to show off campus pride. Attendees visited the booth throughout the event to admire the neutral color palettes and designs.
Despite over five years of operation on campus, this event was the first time the team tabled and sold merchandise.
ApparelScapes CPP merchandise can be bought online or at Building 45, Room 121. The boutique will also have a pop-up event in front of the University Library March 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Computer science student Josie Villar also decided to present her work for the first time at Bronco Marketplace. Villar was inspired by her friend, who had previously tabled at the last Bronco Marketplace, and decided to sign up when ASI was looking for vendors.
Her table was inspired by anime, mostly Japanese Vocaloid Hatsune Miku, the supernatural and pop culture. Among her designs was a green cartoon alien named Zorg that her art account is named after.
“I thought Zorg was the perfect character to bring to the event since cows and aliens are so related,” Villar said. “Since cows get abducted by aliens, and we’re a cow school.”
Villar also noted since it was her first time selling her art, she had to obtain a seller’s permit. She expressed how simple and straightforward it was to get approved to table at the event.
Poly Lens, the photography club at CPP, arranged its table to feature members’ photos and prints. If a customer bought a members’ print, the member would get a small amount of the purchase.
The prints also doubled as postcards, so the designs could be used instead of just being displayed or collected.
Poly Lens also displayed a binder of large photos from its members. While there was no distinct theme, general chemistry student and club Vice President Robin Wise said it was to bring awareness to the club during events like club rush or Bronco Marketplace.
“We wanted to showcase the different types of photography our members can do to the campus,” Wise said.
This year’s Bronco Marketplace was also the club’s first time tabling. In the past, the club would only bring cameras and talk to people at the event, according to Wise.
Wise also noted how the club aims to be friendly with other clubs, such as the CPP Auto Club, since many car photographers are in Poly Lens.
The club’s table was busy throughout the night, and students praised the members’ works, according to Wise.
