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

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.

MAD Wednesday WOW: A stunning Hunter pop up in a beautiful setting. Hunter We ❤️you !
📷Pinterest#mad #madlove #madltd #madaboutdesign #themadpeople #vm #visualmerchandising #design #London #designagency #retaildesign #instore #hunter #becreative #popupshop #wow #inspiration pic.twitter.com/VUQ0Zqdea8
— Mad About Design Ltd (@madltd) August 8, 2018

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

The @Dior #popupshop in @Harrods is eady to find. It's the one with our #iconic #BrandAmbassador #London #taxi #cabs parked outside it. #pr #event #advert #photoshoot #SelfieTime #fashion #bondstreet #sloanstreet pic.twitter.com/Nu7sovmncW
— GARYZ (@thelondoncabco) August 4, 2018

We guarantee that you won't be bored with The Whiskey Hotel on site with us at #forkfestsb. A men's pop-up clothing shop, barbershop & bar, who knows what they'll surprise guests with in a few weeks!#santabarbara #foodie #805foodie #discoversb #popupshop #shoplocal #foodfestival pic.twitter.com/jOul2Ee3rb
— letsgetforked (@letsgetforked1) August 7, 2018

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.

As well as our standard range, we offer bespoke services. From pop up shops for catering, retail, hairdressing, clothing alterations…whatever your business model, we can help! https://t.co/SjIkzAvxnJ #popupretail #popupcafe #popupshop pic.twitter.com/jndsXaYXlb
— Rapid Retail (@RapidRetail) July 31, 2018

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.

I love this #popupshop with high quality goods for men. Great use of little space @oakandadze #oakandadze #staugustine #popups #popupstore @thecoziesthome pic.twitter.com/8PE6fNOL5S
— Casey Smallwood (@CaseySmallwood) August 4, 2018

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

… And we’re open! Come down and say hello to the Gandys crew at our Old Street Station pop up shop 🌍 Don’t be shy, we’re only here for 3 weeks! #gandys #popupshop #dontjustexist #travelwithgandys #oldstreet pic.twitter.com/VQdfZbLWt5
— Gandys (@GandysLondon) July 31, 2018

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.

Ford Pop-Up Store attracts more than 3,000 visitors https://t.co/c9isj3rQ8o #Malaysia #popup #popupshop #retail #retailnews #popupspace #popupevent #WAPUnews #flexretail #creativeretail pic.twitter.com/dbtThi4SOc
— We Are Pop Up (@wearepopup) August 8, 2018

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.

Now Showing #198Allenstreet Aug 6-12th #conartistnyc https://t.co/e6c7K7tbDZ #popup #iloveNYC #Popupshop #local #NYC #bowery #LES #UES #Soho #Gallery #art #exhibit #launch #brooklyn #williamsburg #nolita #LIC #Popupshop #bowery #Soho #brooklyn #LIC #urbanart #graffiti pic.twitter.com/H0H4MgFVGo
— 198 Allen Street (@198AllenStreet) August 7, 2018

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

👀Lookin back on #Bloom2 💭🌸🌼 those #lasers tho 🔥 Special thanks to DrewskiLabs for the amazing photo! 📸 #ElectroLivin #raveaccessories #popupshop #sponsor #hitmewiththoselaserbeams #getinit #lasereyes #electronic pic.twitter.com/cbr2hEcGSc
— 💖ElectroLivin💖 (@electro_livin) July 30, 2018

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