Temporary retail spaces that open for a limited time in shopping malls, near the beach, in vacant retail units, or at events. So why launch a pop-up store? What should you consider – and how should you approach the interior design? In this article, we break down the concept behind this trending retail format.

Do you want to test new ideas or markets without taking on major financial risk? A pop-up store is a temporary concept – from a few days to several months – and a great way to test new markets. It can also make it easier for customers to take the step toward a purchase, as the store won’t be there forever – it “pops up” and then disappears.

A pop-up store is especially suitable if you:

• Sell seasonal products
• Want to test your products with a completely new target audience
• Are considering a new location/market and want to test its potential
• Want to promote the launch of a new product
• Need a new and exciting way to showcase your products

What type of retail interior works best for a temporary concept?

Designing a pop-up store is about creating an attractive yet functional space for customers. A pop-up store largely uses the same type of fixtures as a permanent store, but adapted to the space. Shelving, display stands and podiums may need to be adjusted, moved and designed for flexibility. Since it’s a temporary setup, built-in storage solutions can be useful to enable quick restocking. Bold design choices and strong colors are often used to attract attention, with decorations, colors and patterns that reflect the brand. Lighting makes a significant difference – both in highlighting products and creating the right atmosphere. By combining all these elements, you can create a pop-up store that is both engaging and efficient.

What are the advantages of a pop-up store?

Because a pop-up store is temporary, rental and operational costs are often lower than for a permanent store. This provides an opportunity to test the market without major investments. Many shopping centers have vacant spaces that can be rented for pop-ups, and their temporary nature often generates extra attention. It can create a sense of exclusivity and increase interest in the brand. It also allows companies to interact directly with customers. For e-commerce brands, a pop-up store gives customers the opportunity to see and touch products that may otherwise be difficult to sell online. Pop-up stores can also be part of a broader marketing strategy – to launch new products, collaborations, or simply to promote the brand in an innovative and trendy way.

How do you get started with a pop-up store?

What do you want to achieve with your pop-up? Is it to launch a new product, test a market, or create buzz around your brand? Once you’ve defined your goals, it’s time to decide on location and timing. Choose your location carefully and analyze where your target audience is – in a shopping mall or at a specific event? Perhaps there are similar brands to collaborate with. A variation of the pop-up is a “store-in-store” concept, where you rent a small area within an existing store. Make sure you obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Also ensure you have a well-thought-out marketing strategy. Use social media, influencers, or other channels that suit your target audience.

Examples of successful pop-up concepts

There are many examples of brands across industries using pop-up stores to create engagement and offer unique experiences. IKEA has launched seasonal pop-ups focused on holiday shopping; Amazon has opened sustainable pop-up stores that give products a second life. A more unusual example is the Jokkmokk Market, a traveling concept from northern Sweden that “pops up” in shopping centers across the country, offering regional products. They set up a traditional tent and sell reindeer hides, sausages and handcrafted goods. These are products with limited year-round demand – but when they appear once a year, customers are more inclined to buy.

The future of pop-up stores?

American beauty brands have seen great success with pop-up stores in New York, Paris and London – beautiful spaces filled with mirrors and roses that generate hype on social media. The pop-up stores of the future are likely to feature exciting innovations to attract and engage customers in new ways. We may see pop-ups in unexpected locations – temporary installations in public transport hubs or parks. In London, shipping containers have become popular for creating temporary retail spaces, cafés or galleries. Containers offer flexibility, as they can be placed in different locations and adapted to various needs. Overall, future pop-up stores are expected to be more flexible and tailored to attract and engage customers in new and exciting ways.

Do you need help creating a pop-up store? We at Norco Interior are happy to assist. We have extensive experience in developing pop-up concepts designed for short-term exposure. One example is L:A BRUKET at Åhléns – a store-in-store concept presented for one week. We developed a flexible interior solution that was quick and easy to both install and dismantle. Want to know more? Contact us here.