Top 5 Tips to Prepare Your First Pop-Up Shop
With so many brands now operating from an online store, and with businesses in various stages of closure due to the pandemic - people are looking for real-life experiences again. We are looking to feel more connected to brands and to each other!
We believe that for small brands, the idea of short term pop-ups that are budget-friendly can be a wonderful way to boost your sales and connect with your customers on a physical level. Doing this will also allow you to test out how you feel about owning a brick and mortar store! You might love it so much and decide to open a permanent space down the road.
But what is involved in opening a pop up shop? How do you prepare? We know these are the big questions we often get asked, so here is a list of our top 5 tips to get you started.
BE CLEAR WITH YOUR BRAND’S DESIGN STRATEGY
You want to first have a very clear understanding of your brand’s overall design and how this would translate into a physical retail space. Do you have set brand colours and guidelines to follow, or is your brand more light and feminine? Knowing these details will help you find a space that fits your aesthetic and will allow you to build a consistent and immersive experience.
THE RIGHT WALL
Did you know that there is a clear study showing that most people (90%) immediately go right when entering a new store. This is huge and something we take into consideration every time we design a retail space. Same goes for pop ups! This side of the shop is called your Power Wall, so make sure you put your best products, new merchandise and really accent this side with fabulous displays.
PLAN YOUR EXPERIENCE
There is more to think about other than just merchandising products into a store! You should decorate your space with many other elements that will help your customers engage with and fully be immersed in your brand. Here are some ideas : Decorative Plants, Brand Signage, Email Sign up Station, Business cards & Postcards, Instagrammable Wall for Selfies, Mini Snack Bar - to name a few! The sky's the limit!
ENCOURAGE SOCIAL SHARING
We mentioned this in the last point - to create an Instagrammable Wall! Yes, this is a big one! You should create a fun and eye-catching area in your pop up shop that has your brand name clearly visible on the backdrop! Make it so beautiful that customers will flock to take their photos! You can even create a special promotion for people who share and tag / like / follow your page. This is a great way to engage with your new customers and can be a fun icebreaker!
DON’T FORGET TO ENGAGE THE OTHER SENSES!
Not only should your space be physically beautiful, but you should also consider some of the other senses as you plan out your pop up shop experience. Did you know that using smell within a retail store can boost sales? Yes! It helps connect with people’s emotions and can allow them to relax and feel good in your space. Remember to also play music that really resonates with your customers and your brand’s message. You want to do your best in evoking the emotions that you want your customers to feel while experiencing you pop up shop!
