WHAT IS A POP-UP STORE?

Whether you hear temporary retail, flash retailing, Pop-Up Store, or Pop-Up Shop, it is all one and the same. Pop-Up Store are taking over the retail world and rethinking traditional brick-and-mortar and big-box stores, but what exactly is a store that pops up?

Sighted as early as the 1990s in large urban cities such as Tokyo, London, Los Angeles and New York City, Pop-Up Store and Pop-Up Retail are temporary retail spaces that sell merchandise of any kind. That’s right, just about every consumer product has been sold via a Pop-Up Store at one point in time. From art to fashion to tech gadgets and food, Pop-Up Store are exciting because they create short-term stores that are just about as creative as they are engaging. And they come in all shapes and sizes.

Specific Details

• Term. Typically 1 day to 3 months.
• Location. High foot traffic areas such as city centers, malls, and busy streets.
• Price. Much lower than a traditional store; typically paid upfront.
• Use. Sell products, presence during holidays or events, launch new products, generate awareness, move inventory, test idea or location, increase ‘cool’ factor.

What are the benefits of a Pop-Up Shop?

• Connect with customers: The Pop-Up Retail format allows you to personally get to know your customers and build stronger relationships.
• Sell more: About 95% of all purchases are still completed offline. This is your opportunity to take advantage of the retail channel.
• Build awareness: Consumers and the media love the excitement generated by Pop-Up Stores. Build brand awareness by going offline.
• It’s cheaper: Launching a pop-up store is 80% cheaper than a traditional retail store.
• Test new markets: Easily enter a new market and launch new products.

So, who can start Pop-Up Store?

The short answer is everyone. Big-name brands, including eBay, Target, JCPenney, and Gap, have tested hosting pop-up products in their stores. At the same time, local artists, makers and fashion designers have also become increasingly popular in the Pop-Up scene. Even mobile trucks for food, designer fashion and vintage housewares have been spotted around cities like New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.