If you’re thinking of launching a new business ‒ a cafe, beauty salon or fashion outlet perhaps ‒ have you thought about giving the business a ‘test run’? Pop-up shops offer lots of benefits including the opportunity to test the market and your ideas.
You won’t need to enter into a long term commitment with a landlord and lease, giving you time and flexibility to make decisions about your business. Or you may decide that it’s not going to work in the long run ‒ saving you money and future headaches. Both outcomes are valuable.
Other benefits of pop-up shops include affordable rent, potentially no business rates, and the opportunity to boost brand visibility and attract new customers. Pop-ups are certainly worth considering as a first step towards a permanent set-up.
Here’s how you can get started…
Step 1: Finding the right location
Consider high-footfall areas such as shopping centres, high streets, transport hubs, shared retail spaces and event spaces. When you’re walking around your preferred location, look out for empty retail units and as owners of existing pop-ups and permanent businesses for advice.
Check out online marketplaces for pop-up spaces around the UK, for example:
- Appear Here – An online marketplace specialising in short-term retail spaces in major cities like London and Manchester.
- We Are Pop Up – This website enables SME owners to book pop-up spaces and find shopshares in Europe.
- Storefront – Provides a wide range of pop-up shop spaces for rent throughout the UK.
- Sook – Offers flexible, state-of-the-art pop-up retail spaces equipped with digital screens and modular fixtures.
- Peerspace – Connects you with unique venues available for short-term rentals, including pop-up retail spaces in cities.
- SpaceandPeople – Specialises in short-term retail spaces in high-footfall venues like train stations and shopping centres.
Establish relationships with landlords and local councils so you hear about temporary leases early. This will give you an advantage over other business owners.
Step 2: Secure a pop-up shop lease
You’ll need to secure a short-term lease for a pop-up shop. These types of leases are usually flexible, ranging from a few days to several months. However, make sure you clarify terms such as rent, deposit and any additional fees (e.g. utilities or service charges).
Always review the contract carefully, ensuring you understand exit clauses, insurance requirements, and any restrictions on branding, signage or operational hours. Bring in a legal expert to read it for you so you can be sure of what you’re signing up to.
More helpful information on leases can be found in our Resource Hub.
Step 3: Check business rates for your pop-up shop
Pop-up shops in the UK may have to pay business rates, but reliefs and exemptions can reduce or totally remove costs. Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) offers 100% relief for properties with a rateable value under £12,000.
Also, Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief provides a 75% discount for eligible businesses. Some landlords absorb rates or use flexible licences where rates don’t apply.
Check this out by using the UK government tool here, or contacting the local council.
Step 4: Setting up your pop-up shop
Your pop-up shop’s design should be visually appealing yet accessible, and offer customers a positive experience that aligns with your brand. It’s easy to find simple, cost-effective materials such as bold signage, modular shelving and digital displays.
Pop-up shops often thrive on exclusivity and limited-time offerings – ensure you stock enough products for demand, but avoid overstocking!
Set up an affordable, efficient payment solution such as SumUp or Square. If you’re offering click-and-collect or advance orders, you’ll also need an ecommerce website.
Step 5: Promoting your pop-Up shop
Create a ‘countdown’ social media campaign, to help build awareness and anticipation among customers. Ask local influencers to create buzz , and hold a physical launch event, with local influencers as VIPs.
Write a straightforward press release with a selection of high resolution photos, and email to local press newsdesks.
Alongside all of this, remember to keep your loyal subscribers updated via newsletters and exclusive in-shop offers. And once up and running, keep up the marketing to build on your success!
If you need more advice , we offer affordable step-by-step commercial property advice for SMEs of all kinds, anywhere in the UK.
Email us today: info@propertyadviceservices.co.uk.
