It feels like pop up stores are all the rage nowadays. People are moving away from shopping in established multinationals and are instead focusing their spending closer to home. A pop-up shop is a fantastic way for budding entrepreneurs to dip their toe into the retail or catering world and offer something different to what you’re used to.
But just because they look fun and boast a quirky attitude compared to the sterile blandness of your local department store doesn’t mean they’re easy. Too many people have been burned by not remember the necessities when launching their store. If you’re on the cusp of opening for the first time, make sure to check this out before going any further.
Prime Location
Because what good is a store without any customers? Finding a prime location for your pop up store increases the chances of business. It seems like a no-brainer. Of course, you’d open a store with lots of people walking past. However, there are issues including permits and availability, and it’s not always that easy.
You’ve also got to consider if your target market is one that would frequent such an area. There’s no point opening a store that students would like in some quiet seaside town full of tourists. Likewise, opening a vegan food pop-up in the dead centre of a city that is unabashedly all about its BBQ food is a recipe for disaster.
Point of Sale
Another thing to think about is how you will allow customers to pay for things. Now, long ago before credit cards were a thing, you could rely on cash, cash, and nothing but cash. However, times have changed.
Now, there are more ways to pay than ever before. A lot of people are going cashless, which is why a credit card reader is essential. There is also Apple Pay and Google Pay (among others), so make sure your system is compatible.
You’ll also need to consider how to record these sales. You could jot everything down, but humans are prone to error, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed on a particularly busy day. Think about inventory systems to make this process easier.
What Sets You Apart?
All pop-up stores are different, but if we asked you to imagine one, it’s likely your image is one of a quirky, unique shop full of vintage furniture and cute, twee photographs hanging on the walls.
Like any business, you need something to set you apart from other, similar stores. This can depend on your product niche. For example, if you’re a vintage clothing store, then offering discounts for multiple items, or even accepting trades for clothes from customers will give them a reason to stop by and see what you’ve got in stock.
Getting the Word Out
Much like having a great location, you’ve also got to spread the word you are coming to an area to entice people to come and see you. While you can rely on curious shoppers popping their head in, curiosity is not a sustainable business model, so use social media, flyering, and coupons to help get the word out.
Through these means, you can offer deals for people who present them when they come into the store. It could be discounts, or it could be the opportunity to take a picture with cool props you have set up. As ever, hashtags are superb for getting the word out, too, so ask them to tag your pop up with the hashtag when they post to social media because of course, they will post to social media.
Get Branding
There’s only so long you can rely on the novelty of your pop up store attracting customers before it starts to lose its appeal. For some startups, this can be the beginning of the end. However, you can overcome this by introducing your own branding and merchandise to keep customers coming in and spending money at your store.
If you create artisan cupcakes, then stickers, badges, and tote bags with thematic illustrations and designs on them are always a winner. They are cheap to make, and people like feeling as if they’re showing off your business like it’s some secret only they are in on. There are also options for bookmarks, hats, and coffee mugs if you want to go really wild.
Again, though, your branded items will depend on your audience, but by then, you’ll understand what they like and be able to create your own products accordingly.
Pop-Up Success
With so many pop up stores, it’s not easy to succeed. However, by understanding the essentials, you’re already in a better position than those who believe they already know everything.