How do pop-up stores work?

This has become popular , I think for 1 and 2 days at a time keeps it special . And sometimes there is a charge other times no. Personally we have vendors set up often for events I don’t ever charge them. I love to see businesses working together helping each other grow ,and sharing customers it’s a great way to offer perhaps a product or service to your existing clients plus possibly gain new from this vendor . I think you can personalize these types of things for what works best for both parties involved .

I have never done a pop up shop. But I just started First Thursday, featuring some one or something fun from 6-8 on the first Thursday of each month. Hopefully the guest sends announcements to their customer base & I do the same. It’s cross marketing. 

I agree with Gerri 100% that one or two days are great for a pop up.  Typically the owners don't charge anything hoping that the pop up with Generate business, especially when it's something very different that what the store carries or a unique line or idea.  I love doing the pop ups, it's great to meet new customers and new friends in the business...

I have done them in the past.. usually it’s just bring in foot traffic.. I don’t usually charge them for coming in...but I do try to tie into something in my store if they come. 

Sounds like you’re describing a “trunk show” (shop inside a shop) more than a pop-up shop.  Pop ups are usually activated in vacant storefronts or common areas for a day, weekend or  a few weeks; the latter is more for a seasonal stay  like for the holidays.  The landlord of the space will charge the merchant a fee or rent.  They are used to launch brands, introduce new products or just simply “get the word out” — nothing beats the human element, the ability to talk and touch.  Sales is or should be the key metric of success.   Covering the fee is important for merchants.  

I think this is a Great solution for small businesses to cross connect.  We have done small vendor shows in the building we rent our store out. We do the shows on weekends that there are events going on our town. We rent a big room and rent spaces out to small vendors. Great way to connect with new buisness owners. Along with buisness connections we are Also Doing Cross Advertising.  Word of mouth from each buisness brings in New buisness for each Buisness. 

I have never done one.  Not heard any great results.

I have done these before. It does drive traffic as it usually is something different than they carry in their store , but complimentary. They usually get a % of sales . They need to promote it and call their customer base to be successful. The plus for them is they don’t have to buy new inventory. Normally specific orders are placed from samples or they can take with them samples. 

Val Williams

Pop up's are the  thing at the moment  but Here is where the catch 22 starts.  There are a lot of variables to this. Both merchants either want to get their business known or create more foot tarrific or both.

 But there are thoughts that do come to mind. (There is no order to the list that follow, just ideas that come to mind.)

 1. Is this a great pairing between the two mechants, like dresses and shoes. If not don't  do it just  because it seem like the thing to do. 2. Do you need insurance? if someone get hurt in the allotted space that your renting who is responsible? 3. What do each merchant get out of this short time merger? If planned right and advertised correctly it could be a great deal. 4. Does the merchant renting to the popup have premission to rent space if the merchant is renting themselves? It would be disappointing to do a lot of work to find out just as your about to open up that you can't do it. 5. what is the agreement for compensation, does the renter get a percentage of sales the rentee takes in  or is there a one time fee agreed upon or any fee at all, be sure to ask or come to some agreement.  6. As for the merchant with the popup shop, is the mechant your working with have a great amount of traffic that you are gaining  notice while getting your name out there? At the samtime are you bringing in traffic to the merchant hosting your popup that both of you are happy with the results. I'm sure there are a lot more I could say but all In all  7. Does it feel right. If your left with questions or have a wierd feeling, then it's not right don't do it.  Do your research about the business, area, foot tarrific etc,etc. 

As for the amount of time that's for you two merchants to agree upon. 3 to 7 day is a good amount of time but I've seen up to 30 days.

Pop ups work great if your business are a compliment to each other. When I do In store Trunk Show events I allow accessory pop ups to compliment the gowns. Typically a jewelry maker. If I am too heavily booked there is no room.  They run just for the weekend. Most retailers take 10% off the sales from the pop up store.