The power of the pop-up shop

Pop-ups - a shop or store that temporarily “pops-up” for a limited period of time to achieve a particular goal – are becoming increasingly popular. 

Allowing brands and retailers to reach new audiences without having to commit to a long-term lease, they can present valuable opportunities for testing new products and propositions, raising awareness and building brand loyalty. 

While over 80 per cent of UK consumers are now “digital shoppers”, over 70 per cent of all UK 2023 retail sales were still conducted in brick-and-mortar stores, proving that while ecommerce may be on the rise, having a physical presence can be incredibly powerful for driving business growth. 

There is a reason why the popularity of pop-ups continues to grow. They offer a wide range of compelling benefits to brands, retailers, consumers – and landlords – alike. 

Typically appearing in high footfall locations, pop-ups provide a new, fun and engaging way of getting your products in front of potential customers. 

As mentioned earlier, the majority of UK retail purchases are still made in store so pop-ups can be a highly effective way of boosting sales or clearing stock. The fact that the only appear for a limited period of time adds a sense of urgency for consumers which can be especially helpful if you are trying to clear stock.

Their temporary nature also means that pop-ups provide a perfect contact point for testing new propositions and ideas. 

Picking the right location is hugely important as it can be one of the key factors that determine success. Finding an area with a high footfall should obviously be a priority but you also want to make sure your chosen location aligns with your purpose. 

Luxury brands for example may choose to take over a section of a high-end resort or department store to reinforce perceptions of quality. Alternatively, if they wish to sell old stock at a discount, they may set up an outlet-style pop-up away from their permanent stores to create a sense of distance between their core brand and discounted goods. 

For anyone considering establishing a pop-up store, it is advisable first looking at your audience demographics in order to find the best possible fit.

In terms of costs, these will vary depending on what you are hoping to achieve, your desired location, the type of space you will be occupying and for how long. Overall however, the pop-up model is considerably cheaper than traditional stores and the reduced investment means a much lower level of risk.

It is also recommended creating an event-like experience, something that transcends a typical shop and really engages consumers. Pop-ups, with strategic experience design, create a sense of urgency strong enough to make a passerby take notice, and even disrupt their routine to explore an offering or experience. 

To make your really pop-up stand out, you need to offer more than just products for sale. Try to create an interactive and immersive experience that allows customers to engage with your brand. This could include live demonstrations, workshops, tastings, or entertainment. 

Combine this with an eye-catching storefront or display, unique or limited edition products to add to the sense of urgency, and supporting promotional activity and you create a buzz in no time. 

When it comes to promoting your pop-up, try and generated excitement through targeted marketing campaigns. If you have already succeeded in in building a community of brand enthusiasts, be sure to let them now as they can help spread the word through their own networks. Social media, email newsletters, influencer partnerships and local advertising are all excellent ways of reaching your target audience to drive footfall in your store.