Although pop-up shops have traditionally been used in physical retail, they can be a very useful idea for your online store. These shops are temporary retail shops used for specific purposes. Some are created to run during key buying seasons such as holidays. Others are planned to launch products. Some may be set up to promote old stock, test new audiences, put the feelers out for offline retail or even create an immersive customer experience.
Whatever the reason you may be considering a pop-up shop for your online store, there are numerous benefits that this type of shop can offer.
Top Benefits of a Pop-Up Shop for Online Stores
Some of the biggest advantages of trying a pop-up shop for your online store include the following:
Bridge the gap between online and offline
Today’s retail space has evolved from primarily offline to online and now to a combination of the two. So-called ‘click and mortar’ stores are growing in popularity, allowing customers to enjoy the best of both worlds. These stores create a seamless shopping experience by making it easier for customers to purchase online and collect in-store. Pop-up shops allow you to get the benefits of click and mortar stores or test this model without the huge overheads of setting up an offline store on a long-term basis.
Drive brand awareness and hype
Pop-up shops are a great way to build a bit of hype, driving brand awareness in the process. They are often set up in high-traffic areas, attracting plenty of passers-by. When they are promoted online across multiple channels, they can attract a large number of online customers who are either already supporting your brand or considering shopping at your store. You can also use your pop-up store to test new markets – especially if choosing locations that you are hoping to target.
Create a memorable customer experience
This type of retail outlet is all about customer experience. While long-term physical stores are able to offer promotions and enhance customer experience, pop-up stores have a lot more freedom to create truly unforgettable experiences for customers. When integrated with your online presence, you will be able to give customers a chance to shop your featured products, try popular products through tastings, demonstrations or samples, take advantage of exclusive online and offline promotions, meet your team, and be immersed in your brand on a deeper level.
Expanding Your Online Store
If you’re looking for a way to test the waters and see whether click and mortar is a good fit, pop-up shops are a good strategy. Along with a solid multi-channel ecommerce marketing strategy, an online to offline approach can be a powerful way to expand your online store for maximum growth.
