17 Pop-Up Store Success Stories You Can Learn From
From amplifying your brand’s reach to cashing in on seasonal sales, there are many benefits to opening a pop-up store. And with the short-term retail industry’s strong track record of growth, it’s no wonder so many online businesses are opting to go offline. At Storefront, we’re lucky to help some of the most innovative companies out there connect with their customers on a deeper level. Ready to learn from the pros? Read on to get to know 17 Storefront-powered pop-up stores and what you can take away from these brands’ stories.
1. Utilize the space you’re given: Chloe + Isabel had a small table to display their merchandise at our NYC Pop-Up Store. With this limited space, the jewelry startup created a dynamic presentation that reflected its values and peaked customers’ interest.
2. Add strategic seating: Men’s custom clothier J.Hilburn knew that its target customers weren’t fond of marathon shopping sprees. The brand’s NYC pop-up shop featured elegant seating that encouraged shoppers to unwind and appreciate their surroundings.
3. Think outside the box: Mobile fashion truck TopShelf was used to rolling in to craft fairs, markets, and other outdoor events. By thinking outside of the mobile “box” and opening up a stationary pop-up store, TopShelf gained a steady, loyal customer base. This could also work for food trucks, car companies, and brands that utilize kiosks and vending machines.
4. Add unique art: Art.com is an online marketplace for fine art prints. But it’s one thing to see a jpeg of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” on a computer screen and another to appreciate it in person. Art.com opened a pop-up gallery in San Francisco to showcase (and sell) art and other unique crafts. Art generates interest and sparks creativity. Collaborating with a local artist whose aesthetic reflects your brand adds a distinctive touch and instantly elevates your space.
5. Do good: Sahalandy sells silk scarves crafted by women artisans in Madagascar. The “silkies,” as these women are called, weave wild, raw silk into scarves to maintain their cultural heritage, conserve the environment, and provide for their families and community. When customers know their purchase will benefit others, they are more likely to open their wallets. Consider partnering with a local charity and watch your sales (and good karma) skyrocket.
6. Be a visual thinker: Northern Grade is a menswear line with classic sensibilities. In designing their pop-up shop, the Northern Grade team created an atmosphere that reflected the brand’s personality using rustic tables, magnifying glasses, refurbished pallets, and vintage trunks. Walking into the pop-up shop felt like walking into a bachelor pad in the 1930s. Unique displays and lifestyle elements that represent your brand guarantee a memorable experience for anyone who walks in your store.
7. Make the rounds: Seapony Couture is a bold accessories line that has benefited from opening several Pop-Up Store in various San Francisco neighborhoods. By engaging with different demographics, the brand gained wider exposure and increased networking opportunities.
8. Collaborate: Storenvy understands that there is power in numbers. The ecommerce platform played host to a Pop-Up marketplace in San Francisco. Brands who used Storenvy to power their ecommerce operations were invited to participate in an offline store, which allowed Storenvy to leverage multiple brands’ followings to build hype and foot traffic.
9. Test new markets: Street fashion and surfwear line After Eleven enjoys the sand and sun in sunny Southern California. The chillier San Francisco atmosphere was their next location for expansion. But before they opened a permanent brick-and-mortar shop, After Eleven chose to test the Bay Area market first. They got their toes wet by opening a booth at an outdoor vendor market to see if After Eleven resonated with the San Francisco customer. If you are unsure of a location, test small before making a big commitment.
10. Offer a deal: When car sharing service Zipcar opened a Pop-Up Store in San Francisco, they didn’t roll out an army of cars. Instead, they utilized a small booth with incentives, like exclusive coupons. Consumers who visited the pop-up received a $30 dollar driving credit and had the option of becoming a member for only $30.
11. Light it up: Eco-friendly candle company type.lites transcends target markets by featuring scents both unique and familiar. Consider adding candles to your next Pop-Up Store to add a special sensorial touch that customers will appreciate.
12. Pick a killer location: Sharmbaa is a relatively new brand specializing in multi-use scarf-shrug hybrids. In order to gain more exposure, Sharmbaa chose to partner with the Roger Smith Hotel, which is situated on a busy street corner in NYC’s Midtown. Both New Yorkers and tourists were able to learn about Sharmbaa’s merchandise at an accessible location.
13. Cater to your audience: Although Little Vida sells children’s apparel, its real target market is mothers. The Little Vida team knew that little ones can get testy when running errands, so their Pop-Up Store included activities for the kids, like face painting and games. This kept the kids happy and the parents busy with shopping.
14. Edible incentives: Artisanal chocolatier TCHO opened up a Pop-Up Store in San Francisco to let foodies try their delicious and unique product. Offering edible treats and sweets at your pop-up shop encourages customers to linger longer and enjoy the experience.
15. Be the first: Ministry of Supply was the first company to mesh high-performance activewear with professional attire. With such an inventive and ingenious design, it made sense to capture the public’s attention before potential competitors sprang up. If you have a new product that can change the landscape of retail, don’t give other brands the chance to catch up and take over your share of the target market.
16. Welcome feedback: Customizable watch brand Modify Watches believes in fun and originality as the cornerstone of its business model. Though the company only offers one type of product (watches), they understand that theirs customer aren’t created equal. Within one product category, they offer over 300 variations. The Modify Watches Pop-Up Store functioned as both a storefront and a sounding board where customers could voice opinions about what they’d like to see in future collections. When opening your Pop-Up Store, welcome the idea of hearing customers concerns, likes, and dislikes. After all, they’re the ones purchasing your product!
17. Surprise your audience: For Kanye West’s Yeezus tour stop in NYC, the artist opened up a Pop-Up Store to sell his merchandise. Instead of going the traditional route and selling fan gear inside the concert venue, West’s team opened a pop-up in a public space where fans could purchase branded apparel even if they couldn’t score concert tickets.
Ready to maximize sales and acquire new customers? Start building a Pop-Up Store today!
