Merchandising Pop Up Shops

Pop up shops are all the rage lately. And quite frankly, what’s not to love? No long term leases. No employee staffing dilemmas. No huge overhead. Then again… it is still a storefront so the expectations of shopping within them are (close to) the same for customers. They want a friendly, easy to shop environment that allows them to browse products comfortably and if needed, even try them on. Their eyes should roam throughout the pop up with ease and linger from one thing to the next, with a feeling of satisfaction as they eventually find what they want to buy. After all, buying is your goal for them, right?

When merchandising pop up shops, consider how your customers will experience the environment from a consumer perspective. Keeping this in mind, then design a floor place similar to how you would an actual storefront space. Remember to plan for a check out station, a fitting room if necessary, and easy walk ways to keep customers moving throughout the pop up. Your front entrance will likely be your exit, as well, so keep this space airy enough for a small crowd to get through.

Working all angles of your pop up will be essential in maximizing your pop up space. Consider the space from the floor all the way to the ceiling. Are you outside and on grass? Consider bringing in a carpet. Are you inside and have bad lighting? Consider bringing in some lighting fixtures. Now don’t get scared. The price tag of a pop up is up to you. Be creative and use visual fixtures from your home, your store or other participating vendors. Since it’s temporary, your other spaces can likely do without them for a short while.

Now the next merchandising details to consider are the actual merchandising fixtures that will display your product. Can you use walk shelves? If you can, it will certainly help you create more space for more product! What about a great focus point, such as a large round table in the center of the pop up? It can hold a dynamic display while also centering your space. Floor shelves also add to this. Be creative so that you can truly maximize your space and your product exposure.

Don’t forget the extra touches that makes a store a stand out store. Design decor, such as mirrors or vases with flowers, add appeal to an overall store layout. A pop up shop needs this, as well.

Finally, use a color scheme. If you want a crisp white pop up, go for it. But just throwing some hodge podge displays together without any rhyme or reason will not do the trick. Pretend your pop up is permanent, and you’re likely to be more successful at planning it. Then again, remember to stay on a budget. This is only temporary.