The Pop Up Shop: Temporary In Nature, Permanent In Impact

Geoff Short
Aug 8, 2018
Geoff Short Article

Much has been made about the supposed death of brick-and-mortar retail. With the closure of several former titans, it is easy to see why consumers might be bearish on the future of traditional stores. Still, people yearn for a quality shopping experience even in an era of convenient online retail, and that is being provided with innovative pop-up shops.

These stores offer an exciting in-store experience that has been lost by bigger, blander retailers. The novelty of pop-ups also comes in the fact that these stores are temporary. By only opening their doors for trial runs and short stints, pop-ups create an urgency among shoppers and remain fresh.

We took a look at some of the most successful and innovative pop-up retailers to show that physical retail is far from dead, but it is also far removed from its traditional format.

If you are in London, you might be able to find all you need in one of the smallest spots in the city.

https://twitter.com/waranddrobe/status/1026927438616518657

 

Hunter combines aesthetics, portability, and a trade show-esque design that provides an inviting space with an eye-catching display.

 

Props go a long way to establishing a vibe with the pop-up.

Portability is what separates pop-ups from traditional retailers, allowing brands to reach customers in ways that others cannot. Placing a store in a parking lot is a perfect example of this.

 

Pop-ups are a natural fit for companies that benefit from a storefront, but do not need to invest in the inventory that comes with a full brick-and-mortar.

Clothiers pushing rotating seasonal options utilize pop-ups to display only their latest and trendiest products.

Even bigger brands like Ford can give customers a new experience by providing a pop-up location. By focusing on closer interactions, the company can make a much bigger impact than it can on the lot of a dealership.

Artists were among the first to utilize pop-ups. Touring galleries are an ideal way for artists to scale their business at a lower cost than opening a permanent one.

Finally, some pop-ups go to extremes to introduce consumers to their products!

 

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Retail Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @RetailMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

managed service
Complex AI Software Should Be Delivered as a Managed Service
February 18, 2026

Artificial intelligence software is increasing in complexity. Delivery models typically include traditional licensing or a managed service approach. The structure used to deploy these systems can influence how they operate in production environments. The CEO of Amberd, Mazda Marvasti, believes platforms at this level should be delivered as a managed service rather than under…

Read More
AI services
High Hyperscaler GPU Costs and Infrastructure Limits Drove Move to QumulusAI for Fixed-Cost AI Services and Greater Flexibility
February 18, 2026

Providing managed AI services at a predictable, fixed cost can be challenging when hyperscaler pricing models require substantial upfront GPU commitments. Large upfront commitments and limited infrastructure flexibility may prevent providers from aligning costs with their delivery model. Amberd CEO Mazda Marvasti encountered this issue when exploring GPU capacity through Amazon. The minimum requirement…

Read More
business decisions
AI Enables Faster Business Decisions, Giving Startups an Edge Over Traditional Companies
February 18, 2026

Speed in business decisions is becoming a defining competitive factor. Artificial intelligence tools now allow smaller teams to analyze information and act faster than traditional organizations. Established companies face increasing pressure as decision cycles shorten across industries. Mazda Marvasti, CEO of Amberd, says new entrants are already using AI to accelerate business decisions. He…

Read More
business insights
Amberd Delivers Real-Time Business Insights, Cutting Executive Reporting From Weeks to Minutes With ADA
February 18, 2026

Many organizations struggle to deliver real-time business insights to executives. Traditional workflows require analysts and database teams to extract, prepare, and validate data before it reaches decision makers. That process can stretch across departments and delay critical answers.. The CEO of Amberd Mazda Marvasti states that the cycle to answer a single business question…

Read More
Related
kids
Software & Technology
Designing a Brand Kids Love to Live In, and Parents Choose with Confidence
January 26, 2026
home
Healthcare
Delivering Moments That Matter: The Art of Joy, Memory, and Meaning at Anthropologie Home
January 8, 2026

These days, ‘home’ means more than just four walls. It’s where people reset, gather, and express who they are—raising the bar for what they expect from the brands that help shape those spaces. Consumers are no longer just buying décor—they’re investing in meaning, memory, and moments that last. Research continues to show that people…

Read More
luxury resale
Healthcare
How Luxury Resale Became Big Business: Inside Fashionphile’s Playbook
October 30, 2025

Luxury retail is in the midst of a reinvention. Circular fashion has moved from trend to transformation, reshaping how consumers perceive value, ownership, and access. According to the 2025 BCG × Vestiaire Collective Resale Report, the secondhand fashion and luxury market now totals $210 to $220 billion globally and is projected to reach $320…

Read More