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

Coupa Inspire 2025
A Global Conversation: Coupa Inspire 2025 Brings Innovation to Your Doorstep
September 12, 2025

Coupa Inspire 2025 is taking its flagship experience on the road with the Inspire World Tour, bringing the spirit of its celebrated event to five cities across four continents. By condensing the energy of its global gathering into free, one-day sessions, Coupa is expanding access to knowledge, innovation, and community-building opportunities for finance, procurement, and…

Read More
Royal Dublin
Mastering the Game: Akshay Bhatia and Coupa Inspire at the Royal Dublin
September 12, 2025

At the Royal Dublin, Coupa brought together community and competition with PGA pro and brand ambassador Akshay Bhatia, who shared lessons from the course that extend far beyond golf. His message, “Master your swing. Master your spend,” underscored the power of precision, discipline, and strategy in both sport and business. The event was not just…

Read More
Coupa Customer Appreciation Day with Akshay Bhatia at The Royal Dublin
September 11, 2025

Coupa’s Customer Appreciation Day at The Royal Dublin on July, 2025, brought together PGA Tour talent Akshay Bhatia and the community for a celebration of both sport and connection. Beyond the excitement of world-class golf, Bhatia shared practical “tour-level tips” in a relaxed clinic format, offering guidance on everything from escaping rough lies to mastering…

Read More
The Royal Dublin
Coupa Spotlight: Akshay Bhatia Tees Up Teaching at The Royal Dublin
September 11, 2025

American golfer Akshay Bhatia’s teaching session at The Royal Dublin this July marks more than a summer stop—it’s a sign of how golf’s rising stars are shaping the global game. For Coupa, the event highlights the intersection of tradition and modern growth, bringing fresh attention to one of Ireland’s most historic courses. Bhatia’s presence underscores…

Read More
Related
consumer brands
Software & Technology
Consumer Brand Growth Formula: Value Proposition, Platform Strategy, and Wellness Integration
September 3, 2025
heritage brand
Healthcare
Scaling A Heritage Brand: Bringing a Local Lens to Growth Strategy
August 26, 2025

Retail is evolving at a lightning pace, with consumer expectations higher and more informed than ever before. Deloitte research shows that 80 percent of consumers prefer brands that offer personalized experiences, with those customers spending up to 50 percent more. For heritage retailers, this shift presents both opportunity and challenge: how do you honor local…

Read More
Commerce media
Healthcare
A Look at the Rise of Commerce Media Networks: How Nift Helps Brands Own How Their Message Shows Up
July 2, 2025

As traditional digital advertising struggles to retain consumer trust, brands are exploring new, more authentic ways to connect with shoppers. Platforms like commerce media networks, which weave together commerce, content, and data, are emerging as powerful tools in this shift. Research from MG2 Advisory reveals that only about 37% of consumers feel brands genuinely…

Read More