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!

 

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