In recent years, pop-up shops and local vintage markets have emerged as a dynamic way for resellers to reach consumers directly, create buzz, and gain a local following. If you're planning your first pop-up shop, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly to ensure a successful experience. This guide will walk you through the key steps to make your first pop-up shop a memorable and profitable event.
Tips & Inspiration For Your First Pop Up Shop
A week before the event
1. Start thinking about your set up
For almost any pop up market or event you will have a pre-determined amount of space as a vendor. Start by thinking about how you want to set up your clothing racks and/or tables. Consider how you can make your booth inviting and easy to shop as soon as a customer walks up and/or if you have multilple people shopping in your booth.
Consider everything you'll need the day of the event. Do you have enough hangers, a table, display stands for purses and accessories, signage? If not, now is the time to order, make, or borrow those things from friends/family.
2. Preparing Your Inventory
Deciding what products to showcase is crucial. Start going through your inventory and deciding how you want to curate your clothing racks and table display. Let the season inspire what pieces you pull for this event. If your event is happening in October consider having a section of your racks dedicated to outerwear like leather jackets and/or inventory with fabric like wool thats perfect for the colder months. Put yourself in the customers shoes, what things would you like to see at a market? What inventory do you have that will keep the customer in your booth?
Tip: Spend some time thinking about current trends and what inventory you have that falls within this trend. For example, when bows were trending I made sure to put out all my vintage clothing that had bows. To keep up with whats trending in the world of fashion I follow @style.analytics and @databutmakeitfashion on Instagram and find their content to be super helpful for sourcing and preparing for events.
A few days before the event
3. Price your inventory
Make sure to start pricing all your inventory a couple of days before the event. This helps customers make decisions without having to ask questions, which can feel overwhelming or embarrasing for some. This also allows customers to make a more informed offer on something they may really love but need $5 or $10 off to justify the purchase.
Something I have learned over the past 4 years of popping up is that it's very important to have a variety of inventory at different price points if you want to be successful. There will be other vendors at this event and this is your best strategy at staying competitve and winning sales.
Tip: Be prepared for customers to make offers/lowball you and try not to take it personally.
4. Practice setting up your table display
Having a table display as a part of your set up is essential for many reasons.
Your display is the first impression customers will have of your brand. Invest time in designing an eye-catching setup that showcases your products effectively. Use props, signage, and thoughtful layout to create an inviting atmosphere. Remember, your display should not only highlight your products but also tell your brand story.
Tip: There are a lot of different supplies you can get off Amazon that can make your table display more eye-catching! Here are just a few I use and would recommend:
- Weysat Clear Acrylic Wallet Display
- Acrylic Display Riser
- MOOCA Wood Glass Top Jewelry Display Case
- Weysat Purse Holder Stand
Day before the event
5. Prep & pack up your car
The day before your pop-up you should prep all your inventory to begin packing up your car. I like to pack our SUV the night before to ensure I don't forget things and that everything I need for the day of the event fits in our vehicle safely.
Day of the event
6. Get Up Early
Get up early and have a good breakfast because you never know how much time you'll have to eat during the event. Pick out an outfit that you feel cute and comfortable in. Arrive a little early and introduce yourself to the event organizer when you see them.
Eventually introduce yourself to your neighbors as you start setting up.
Tip: Pack snacks that are easy to eat on the go and make sure to bring a refillable water bottle or two.
7. Greet your Customers!
One of the most important aspects of pop-up shops is making customers feel comfortable enough to shop in what some would consider unusual circumstances. I always like to greet my customers with something like this "Hey there! If you see something you love feel free to try it on and if you have any questions just let me know!". This takes a lot of pressure off the customer right away because they feel welcomed, encouraged to try things on, and aren't left wondering or looking around for someone to answer their questions.
