Is A Pop-Up Shop Worth The Effort?
Sooo,...the other day I had the opportunity to do something I’ve never done before.I DID A POP-UP SHOP!
It has been seven years since I opened the “doors” to selling products on my online store, and in that time, I've kicked around doing craft fairs, art shows, and even festivals, but have never pursued it.
Since I’m now opening myself up to new possibilities, the opportunity presented itself to do a Pop-Up Shop at a “Showcase Your Light” talent show event! I was not participating as a singer, rapper or dancer, I was asked to participate as an artist. I said yes,...but I had no expectations. The showcase was a REAL event,…with REAL people attending. I had no clue of the total number of people who would be attending nor what their likes, dislikes would be? What were their interests? This is information that would have been helpful in deciding what products to bring. I agreed to do it, even with the unknown. Since it was a December event, I decided I’d anchor my shop with the two Christmas t-shirts I’d created and grabbed any additional gear I had laying around to kind of fill-in the look aesthetically
I had a basic plan of what to bring, but had no idea how to display it or what space I would have to work with. Twenty minutes on Pinterest gave me a few ideas of how to set it up, so here was my plan;
A table…Some baskets…
Some signage…
A Mannequin I already owned…
I’m not gonna lie, I was never nervous, but shouldn’t I have been? This was a pretty big step in the building of this creative business. For starters it would be the first time I’d interact with real customers face to face. I’d be able to gauge what they were thinking about the products laid out in front of them. I’d also get to answer any questions they had about my process of creating the designs. I’m not gonna lie, I was a little hesitant of what I may have to do? Being the introvert that I am, I kind of hoped it wouldn’t come to conversations with strangers.
I gathered everything I thought I’d need, packed it in my car and went to the event. Setting up my “table” went without a hitch. I was the only shop so no competition, no one to measure against what I did right or did wrong. Although it was a small event, approximately 40 people, it was large enough to garner interest from the event goers. I did double duty as an impromptu videographer for the show, which didn’t allow me to man my table, although there was no wandering around while the acts were performing. I think that was a plus now that I look back on the event.
I did get a shoutout from the event host as well as an invitation for event goers to bombard my display, in between acts. The host, who wore my Joy To The World t-shirt, did explain that it was my first Pop-Up Shop so event goers were patient with me. I got great feedback on my presentation. I also got a few nods of approval for creative designs. The icing on the cake was the sales! I actually had money exchanged for goods! That’s always a good feeling.
I learned a lot and made a little money. I’d call that a success.Are there things I’d do differently? Sure.
Did I learn anything? Yes. I learned patience, specifically patience with myself.
I learned a simple display is fine as long as the customer can see the products.
I learned you need to be available to answer any questions, or just be available to talk to potential customers.
I did have meaningful feedback from customers on my designs. I also included in my presentation/display some charcoal and colored pencil drawings (which I did not offer for sale). I only included these drawings to round out the whole “artist vibe” of the store. These drawings, which I’d done several years ago, surprisingly, resonated with the event guests. I even had one person tell me he would love to have a print of one of the drawings hanging in his home. This tells me it’s time to diversify my product mix and start drawing again.
Would I do another POP-UP SHOP?Yes, I would.
With one POP-UP under my belt any future shops would look drastically different. For starters I would do a better job of shop set-up and I would certainly be more creative. Secondly, I’d do my homework on the event and its participants. I’d come armed with products more suited for the event goers. Finally, I’d make myself more available to answer customer questions.
A pop-up shop is a low risk way to help me test new markets and new designs. It can generate buzz and publicity for me. It may even be able to elicit local press coverage, social media buzz or peak the interest of influencers. A well-executed pop-up shop can serve as an excellent marketing tool. Customers who visit and have a positive experience will likely share their excitement online, generating organic social media content that can amplify my reach. Ultimately, a pop-up shop can elevate my brand, increase sales, and create lasting impressions that benefit my business long after the event is over.
I’m glad I got a chance to do it. It’s not as scary a process as I thought it would be. I’ve got knowledge now, and I’ll keep my eyes open for the next big POP-UP adventure.
Stay tuned….
