Pop-up shops are ideal for new business startups to use as a tool for brand activation, getting their name and products or services known with a small amount of investment in a relatively small space of time.

Pop-up events often centre around a holiday, a novel theme or concept and this allows companies to capitalise on the promotional opportunities associated with the "get-it-while-it-lasts" buzz that this retail style creates. With the right display materials, running a pop-up shop or event can be one of the easiest and most profitable ventures a business can make. Our guide outlines essential tips on how to set up a pop up shop, as well as a range of pop up display ideas to suit your business.

What is a pop up shop?

A pop-up shop is a short-term retail space which allows vendors to occupy a temporary storefront or market stall. This is by no means a new concept, considering European Christmas markets, farmers markets, festival retailers and other seasonal events. In recent years, however, the pop-up shop trend has exploded in the UK, with countless businesses and organisers recognising the many benefits of this approach to retail.

What are the benefits of pop-up retail?

As well as being an ideal way for new businesses to get the brand name out there, another benefit provided by pop-up retail is the opportunity it provides for testing new products and services, even for established brands. It is also a fantastic way for a business to begin transitioning from online-only to a more physical presence in stores. Positive results from pop-up ventures can be used persuasively when approaching stockists or applying for a permanent lease.

Pop up shops, also referred to as flash retail, create greater consumer engagement and help to quickly build direct knowledge of your customer's preferences. Where ecommerce doesn't allow for tactile product assessment or direct discussions, pop up stores allow your online customers to experience your business in a physical environment and ask any questions that they need to.

Pop-up shops also allow a business to be active in multiple locations without a permanent lease. This reduces the costs and risks associated with longer term leases, enhancing opportunities for retailers and landlords alike.

Pop up shop display ideas

To make hosting multiple pop-up shops and events as convenient as possible, consider using flat pack point of sale products for your pop up displays (see below for examples of these). Not only are these lightweight and easy to transport and construct, we can also add bespoke printing and branding to them on request, giving you comprehensive branding at your pop up point of sale.

Branding couldn't be more important for your pop up shop, as you only have a short space of time to get your brand fixed in the minds of your visitors.

Our garment rails are also ideal for pop up clothing shops as they are supplied unassembled and are easy to slot together. We have options for multi-arm clothing display stands as well as for wheeled clothes rails.

How to set up a pop up shop

When planning your pop up shop displays, consider what products you want to display, and make these prominent with an upright stand. Ensure you have appropriate graphics prepared. Whether that consists of banners, posters, leaflets or business cards, make the most of the opportunity to engage with a brand new audience and ensure your logo and service stand out.

What are the best pop up shop display stands?

Gridwall is the perfect choice for business that regularly transport between pop-up locations and various events, due to its highly versatile construction. With just a few assorted fixing components, you can construct a gridwall display stand that is fully reconfigurable to allow for freestanding on feet, wall mounting, or for displaying on a wheeled stand.

We also supply a wide range of merchandising hooks, shelves and event garment rails that are compatible with our gridwall panels, allowing retailers to change their displays to suit whatever products they are currently promoting. Check out our Gridwall Buying Guide for further details on the available gridwall kits, along with any required components.

Do you supply bespoke pop-up display stands?

As well as offering bespoke printing and branding with most of our stock items, we can also create unique displays to your requirements. Contact us to learn more.

Incentivise engagement

Consider offering free samples to encourage engagement with your brand. Many people visit pop-up shops and events purely to experience the environment and to take advantage of "Instagrammable" moments and displays. You can circumvent the risk of not making any profits by interacting with new customers in other ways.

Always make sure your social media handles and relevant hashtags are displayed clearly at your pop up shop or event. Even if you don't make any sales, you can take advantage of the social capital created from people discussing your brand and posting about it on social media channels such as Twitter and Instagram.

Make sure every person who sees your pop-up shop is impressed by something; the innovation of your products, the appearance of your displays and, of course, your customer service.