Pop-up stores are popping up everywhere, and for good reason. They’re basically the epitome of experiential marketing: Without committing to long-term loyalty, people can experience brands firsthand. In case you didn’t know, pop-up stores utilize physical space to create long-term impressions. They are temporary retail experiences and are not necessarily held in the same location as the business (although they may occupy part of the business’s actual space, such as the storefront, where they’re easily accessible for passersby).
Have you wondered what it might be like to visit a pop-up shop? It can be a really fun way to experience interesting brands without taking too much time out of your day or making any commitments. (And if nothing else, it’s usually very Instagrammable affair). Maybe you’re a new business owner and looking for some pop-up inspo of your own. Whatever the case may be, here’s our list of the most fun, creative pop-up shop ideas to experience now (while the limited time offer stands).
1. Milk and Cardamom: A Book Signing and Pop-up Shop
Here’s a dining experience with a decidedly literary flavor (if you count cook books as literature, which we absolutely do). With a menu from Hetal Vasavda’s dessert Bible Milk and Cardamom, this pop-up shop celebrates the arrival of Diaspora Co.’s newest spice offering. For those who want a taste of this cookbook’s diverse, decadent selections without making them on their own, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Diaspora Co., a direct-trade, pesticide-free brand, delibrated for 14 months before deciding on a partner in spicy crime to showcase its newest delicacy. Why is the experience made richer by Hetal’s presence and cookbook? A former MasterChef participant whose baking is strongly influenced by her Indian-American, Hetal Vasaveda has created a cookbook that brings not-so-masterful chefs a versatile, easy-bake array of ways to spice up their desserts.
Sweetening the deal even more, Koolfi Creamery will be in attendance. For those of you who don’t know, Koolfi’s ice cream is inspired by traditional Indian Kulfi. The only possible drawback is a diversion from your diet, which is well worth it for this occasion.
POP-UP INFO:
Fri, August 16th, 2019
The Ruby SF
23rd and Bryant St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
5:30-7:00 PM PDT
2. TMS Beauty Shop Pop-Up
One of the biggest complaints about beauty products is the inability to try them before you leave the store or order them online- and in some instances, the lack of know-how when it’s time to apply it! How many times have you watched your favorite YouTuber perform a detailed demonstration of how to work your favorite runway looks at home- only to discover that your end result is hardly print-worthy?
TMS Beauty Shop has a fun solution when it returns to the Bay Area this summer. Beauty enthusiasts will have the chance to learn hands-on from legendary industry pros on the TMS Main, Seminar, and Demo Stages, as well as special hands-on workshops. The hands-on aspect is important, because watching and doing are often two different things. If you’re interested in a beauty event where you can take home practical knowledge along with high-end products, this shop popped up just for you.
Introducing the Momentum Session Series, TMS Beauty Pop-Up Shop is a professional educational experience as well as a chance to shop luxury on sale till you drop. We love that this is a professional-focused beauty event that divulges the secrets of the celebs- at very affordable prices. (It’s anywhere between $25-$45 to get in).
POP-UP INFO:
August 16th-17th (Sat & Sun)
Grand Hyatt SF
San Francisco, CA 94110
10 AM- 6 PM on Sat
10 AM- 5 PM on Sun
3. A Current Affair: Pop-up Vintage Marketplace
This brand may be a throwback of sorts, but its goal to keep vintage a current affair a smashing success. Everyone knows that fashion is actually a circular fair, but this vintage source may know it best. This summer, A Current Affair is bringing together over 70 top-rated vintage retailers and private dealers from the Bay Area and all over the country. The pop-up shop event is nestled cozily into the perfect vintage setting: the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA. The best in iconic vintage apparel, jewelry, and accessories will be on sale for just a day.
To give you an idea of the vintage appeal of this event, here are some of the featured vendors: James Veloria (NY), Strange Desires (Massachusetts), Spanish Moss (LA), The End (a retro favorite from Joshua Tree), Arrow and Anchor (Nashville), and Moth Food (Detroit). Local hidden gems include Mercy Vintage, Pretty Penny, Love Street Vintage, and Eden & Eden.
POP-UP INFO:
Sat, Nov 2, 2019
10:00 AM- 6:00 PM
The Craneway Pavilion
1414 Harbour Way South
Richmond, CA 94804
4. Back-to-School Pop-Up Market at Main Entrance Patio
The back-to-school countdown has begun! Whether that phrase brings you dread or excitement, we’ve got a pop-up store event that will make parents and students of all ages happy. The Back-to-School Pop-Up Market at Main Entrance Patio has an exclusive collection of school supplies from local small and Etsy businesses. With so many less-than-ethical large retailers racking in business, it’s a refreshing idea to support your local community at this busy time of year.
POP-UP INFO:
Sat-Sun, 8/24-8/25
11:00 AM- 6PM
Stonestown Galleria
3251 20th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94132
5. Diaz Studio Show at Dynamo Donut
Artists and art lovers will delight in this picturesque evening on Dynamo Donut’s sunny garden patio. This pop-up store event is an opening reception for a new body of work painted by artist Carissa Diaz. Diaz is a San Francisco local and Bay Area native whose haunting, abstract pieces will intrigue art lovers. Set on wood panels and canvas over a quaint lawn display, Diaz Studio’s pop-up display will feature other vivid pieces from the talented artist. The best part is that all work displayed at this unique event will be for sale, so you can take home a momento and support a local artist. There will also be bonus gifts involved for an added touch.
Of course, the real draw for some attendees will be the delicious designer donuts and coffee! Did we mention the sun-dappled view from the patio? As many locals already know, it’s amazing (even on a partly cloudy day, as this one is projected to be).
POP-UP INFO:
Sat, Aug. 17th, 2019
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Dynamo Donut and Coffee
2760 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
6. Plush Pop-Up Shop
If you fancy yourself a local celeb, this is definitely the pop-up store event for you! Indulge your inner diva in a day of discounted luxury from Plush Beautique. From high-quality wings to exotic clip-ins, and sleek bundles and extensions, Plush’s hair collection is fit for the red carpet. They’ve also got electric hair and ear jewelry, athleisure fashion, and all the beauty supplies a diva can dream of. Everyone who comes gets one free hair extension and wig, plus the chance to participate in a raffle.
Free beauty stuff means that this event is expected to fill up fast, so it’s probably a good idea to RSVP now. Also, it’s another majorly Instagrammable one, so there’s that.
POP-UP INFO:
Sun, Oct. 20th
4:00 PM- 8:00 PM
San Francisco, CA 94110
7. African Fashion Pop-up Shop
Diarrabel creates authentic African clothing, headwraps, accessories, and jewelry from West Senegal, West Africa. We’ve seen their design concept (anyone can by visiting www.diarrabel.com), and it’s awesome: culturally authentic, modern women’s wear that fits seamlessly into an everyday wardrobe. Their focus is on versatility, as evidenced by their multipurpose, comfortable pieces that are as practical as they are lovely. They’re also sustainably made, which is part of this company’s mission.
And their mission is an interesting one: “to empower local artisan communities in Sub-Saharan Africa while rebranding the continent through positive imagery and intentional story-telling.” If you love creative clothing that tells a story and expresses positive feelings and messages, you might want to check out this brand ASAP. Diarrabel is size-inclusive, too, and their sizes range from S-4XL.
On August 24th, they’ll be sharing their brightly colored new summer collection at Red Bay Coffee Roastery and Coffee Bar Headquarters. This pop-up store event is free and open to all! Tickets are not only free, but grant access to friends and family.
POP-UP INFO:
Sat, Aug. 24th, 2019
12:00 PM- 4:00 PM
Red Bay Coffee Roastery & Coffee Bar Headquarters
3098 East 10th Street
Oakland, CA 94601
8. Let’s Chill & Shop!
Who doesn’t love to chill and shop? This pop-up store event is keeping it simple and sweet. This summer, Yenae is hosting their first ever roadshow in Oakland. If you’re not familiar with the brand, Yenae is a high-end, culturally curated fashion jewelry company. Its exquisite attention to detail adds a touch of modern design to its African-inspired collections. From crosses to gift sets to versatile wear, Yenae has a little something for everyone who loves African fashion jewelry.
At their Oakland pop-up store event at swanky AU Lounge, guests will get to enjoy hors de’oeuvres and a drink on the house. It’s a relaxing Sunday afternoon of mingling that fashion-lovers in the Bay Area won’t want to miss.
POP-UP INFO:
Sun, Aug. 18th, 2019
3:00- 6:00 PM
AU Lounge
2430 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94601