Pop-up shops are becoming commonplace from the U.S. to the U.K., and while this may simply seem like a fad, these temporary spaces may actually help build your small business.
If you’re a retailer looking to reach a larger customer base or build awareness of your product, these flash storefronts may be a great idea for your brand.
Here are ways you can use a pop-up shop to help your small business.
Seasonal Sales
If you specialize in a product that may do particularly well in a given season, it may be a good idea to temporarily expand your sales reach during the season in question with a pop-up shop.
For instance, a small business owner who crafts handmade ornaments may find that a kiosk or sample sales space may drive business to their brick-and-mortar location during their busiest season.
Brand Awareness
Brand awareness can be elusive, particularly for small businesses. If you want to get your company name out there, you may have to expand your presence beyond your permanent locations.
By establishing a pop-up shop (or several of them), you can dramatically increase the reach of your brand, particularly if you allow walk-ins to sample your product.
This exposure can do wonders for your audience reach, especially if you utilize social media and other online mediums to promote the pop-up event.
Product Testing for Online Businesses
Some companies sell primarily online, limiting their customers’ access to their physical products.
If you’d like to give your audience a physical experience with your product, you can use a pop-up shop as a temporary showcase for past and future clients. This will allow your customers to try out your merchandise, and make a memorable impact, in a way that eCommerce may not allow.
Customer Research
Whether you sell online or in-person, there is always more research to be done about your target audience.
Sample spaces can grant you an insider’s eye into your customers’ preferences and behaviors, particularly once they’ve had the opportunity to try out your product in person.
This benefit can be twofold, however.
It can also allow you to educate the general public on your product, fulfilling your customers’ need for research as well.
While a pop-up shop may seem like a fad, it can actually be a blessing to small businesses. Whether you’re establishing a kiosk or cart at a local festival, or renting a sample sales space in a small storefront, you can broaden your reach, drive revenue, and obtain valuable insight into your customers’ behavior and interests.
These pop-up shops are low cost, high exposure, and very fashionable ways of reaching your audience without the use of traditional advertisement.
Image: GoVacant.com
Aira Bongco
Is this like putting up a booth at a bazaar? This is a nice way to test products and services and also increase traffic to your shop.
Megan Totka
That’s a great analogy! Yes, it is similar. I agree, it’s an effective way to test the waters and gauge customer interest without making the commitment to a permanent store. Thanks for reading, Aira!