Tips for Launching a Pop-up Shop

How to go From Idea to Sales

What is a Pop-up Shop?

(also known as temporary retail, flash retailing, pop-up store, or pop-up shop)

Pop-up shops are temporary retail spaces that sell merchandise.       Pop-up shops are typically open anywhere from 1 day to 4 months.

What is Sold at a Pop-up Shop?• Clothing • Jewelry• Art• Crafts

• Tech gadgets• Food

* Whatever you are selling

Start Planning Early

In order to ensure your shop is an success you will need to begin planning as early as possible.

Here are the areas that you will need to consider when planning your pop-up: Budget Objectives Location

Staffing Operations Mishaps

Marketing The Experience Getting Paid

Budget

Some items to consider when calculating costs:

Rent Staff Merchandise Design Décor

POS System Wi-fi Internet Insurance Marketing

Moving cost Utilities Signage Entertainment

 

Identify ObjectivesBecause Pop-up shops are only temporary it is a good idea to have very specific objectives you would like to obtain. This step will allow you to plan accordingly to meet your goals.

To test the market To launch a new product

To raise brand awarenessTo generate leads

To make $$$ in salesTake advantage of the season or Holiday

Move inventory

Location

• Choose a high foot traffic area when looking at retail space.• Also consider setting up near upcoming events: festivals, concerts,

marathons • Vacant commercial real estate spaces are not the only option.

Consider custom built shipping containers or a truck.• Pop-up shops come in all shapes and sizes.• Rent is much lower than for traditional stores.• Rent is normally pair in full upfront. A deposit will also be required.

Rental Questions

1. What are you allowed to do? (paint walls, nail something to the walls, build out areas)

2. What is included in the building? (bathrooms, storage, dressing rooms, electricity, running water)

3. What will you have to do yourself? (provide/ build dressing rooms, build counter space, pay for labor)

4. What is the cancellation policy. Will your deposit be refunded?

StaffingThe type of pop-up – a restaurant or a small retail shop – will determine if staff is needed. If you are unable to run the pop-up alone then you will have to answer the following questions.

How many employees will you need?What will you pay?

How will you train them?Is security needed?

Make sure to comply with all state and federal laws when it comes to employees. Even temporary ones.

Operations and Mishaps

Have a detailed plan in place:

* Store hours* Opening and closing procedures

* Dealing with shoplifters* What to do in case of an emergency* Securing profits throughout the day

Design

3 areas to consider:

1. Signage and Decals2. Windows and Outside Displays3. In-Store Displays, Merchandise, and Inventory

Signage and Decals

Outside signage should have name of shop, hours, website url, and social media handles. Include the words “pop-up” on the outside signage to convey to those passing by that time is of the essence to come in and visit. A sandwich board is a great way to share daily deals. Place indoor signage in places that are easy to see and read. All font on all signage should be clear and easy to read.

Windows and Outside Displays

Your exterior is your first impression. Use your window(s) to tell a story. Use your best inventory as the focal point Do not block the view with signage or decals Allow space for people to see into the store If your pop-up shop is for a month or more – consider window display changes to keep things fresh and interesting.

In-Store Displays, Merchandise, and Inventory

When designing your space keep the space open and bright. Décor should not only reflect your brand, but the season. Do not clutter the space with merchandise. Put out your best sellers or newest product as the focal point.

*Think outside the box when it comes to in-store displays

Thrift shop finds Crates Barrels Old Dressers

Marketing

Since, a pop-up is only a temporary space it is important to spread the word as quickly and effectively as possible.

• Start with your existing customers• Social media is important

• Get in contact with local media• Build relationships with local influencers

• Partner with other businesses

*Pop-ups are also great way to market your business and/or products.

The Customer Experience

It does not matter if the pop-up shop is 1 day or 4 months you have to give the customer awesome an awesome experience when they arrive.

Quality merchandise Latest trends Clean Shop

Interactive display Games Refreshments Contests

Easy pay Music Friendly Service Inviting space

Exclusive Deals

Getting Paid

• It is important to decide what type of payments you will accept before you open.

• Point-of-sale systems can be operated on mobile devices. This eliminates the need for high cost registers and software. It also allows you to manage your shop on the go.

• Research POS system companies online to find affordable pricing that is scaled to the size of the business.

Follow-up

Hopefully, you were able to grow your social media following online. As well as, gather email addresses of customers who visited the shop. Don’t forget to thank everyone for their support.

Also, make sure to stay in-touch with your customers letting them know what is the latest news and offers from your business.

Post Pop-up Evaluation

Did you achieve the objectives you set in the beginning?

What did you learn?

What would you do different?

Will you “pop-up” again? Why? Why not? 

Created bySharon M Rainey

Owner

Awesomely Shared, LLCwww.awesomelyshared.com