Pop Up Shops for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Pop Up Shops in London

Searching for a perfect pop up shop in London but aren’t quite sure where to start?

Make sure to plan everything to a tee! When planning your budget, don’t forget to factor in all the additional costs, as the pop-up hire fee isn’t the only one! You will need to remember to deal with insurance, internet, credit card fees, merchandising fixtures, furniture, window display props and lighting, as well as marketing and promotion. There’s a lot to take into account! While all these things might seem stressful, finding the ideal location can be made easy with Tagvenue! Just check out our round-up of London’s top pop-up venues and choose the one that pops out to you!

How to set up your own pop-up shop

Pop-up retail has been a popular way to sell your art or photos in London for some time. If you’re an artist looking for creative ways to make some side money, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of our tips on setting up your first pop-up shop:

• Choose Your Location. Picking your location wisely will be very important for your pop-up, as it will impact your potential sales. Try to find a venue as close to the historical parts of London as possible - tourists roaming the streets will usually want to buy some souvenirs on the way.

• Be in Compliance with the Law. It is important to do some research on how to legally run a temporary shop in London before you make any big decisions. Decide whether you want to hire some temporary workers or run your shop by yourself. Hand in all the necessary paperwork.

• Prepare Your Products. Whether it’s paintings, photos, sketches, or pottery, it obviously needs to be ready before your store opens. If you already have a huge collection of creations, it won’t be much of a problem. Make sure to give yourself enough time to build up a sufficient inventory.

• Design a Storefront. You want your potential customers to know that you are an artist, so feel free to go creative! Depending on the type of creative space you’ve hired for your pop-up, you will be able to attach posters and signs to windows or walls, make displays and decorations, and furnish your store appropriately. Your pop-up has to make a good first impression on your clients!

• Advertise. If you are present on social media as an artist, remember to use it to your advantage. Even if you don’t have a huge following, every bit of attention counts. Make sure to tell your followers, friends, and family to share the information about your pop-up with everyone they can. You can even make some pamphlets and give them away to people a couple of days in advance.

• Get Ready. Before the grand opening, make sure your pop-up space is set up to your liking. Get ready to enjoy the direct interaction with your potential clients! As they look through your art, try to engage them with small talk, and tell them some stories about how your art comes to life. A pop-up shop is like an art exhibition where people can buy your art, so make sure shoppers have a good experience.

Creative Marketing for Your Pop-Up: Making a Splash in London

Crafting a buzzworthy pop-up shop in London requires more than an interesting concept; it needs a robust creative marketing strategy to draw in the crowds and make a lasting impact. Here’s how to create a splash with your pop-up in one of the world's most dynamic cities:

• Start with a Story: Every pop-up shop has a story. Yours might be about an interesting product launch, an innovative collaboration, or perhaps a mission-driven initiative. Use this narrative as the cornerstone of your marketing efforts. Storytelling piques interest and builds an emotional connection with potential visitors.
• Leverage Social Media: Social media platforms are indispensable tools for creating hype. Use Instagram to showcase teasers of your products or the design of the pop-up space you hire. Twitter is great for real-time updates and engaging with a broader conversation, while Facebook events can help manage RSVPs and event details. Consider Instagram Stories and live streaming to give a behind-the-scenes look at your preparations, making your audience feel part of the journey.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with local influencers can amplify your reach exponentially. Choose influencers whose brand values align with yours and are genuinely interested in your offering. This authenticity translates into more engaging content that their followers will likely trust and act upon.
• Utilise Guerrilla Marketing: Guerrilla marketing tactics are all about creativity and surprise. To generate curiosity, think of eye-catching installations or interactive experiences in high-footfall areas of London to generate curiosity. Always ensure these activities comply with local regulations to avoid any legal issues.
• Offer Exclusive Experiences: Create exclusivity around your pop-up with limited-time offers, early bird specials, or VIP experiences. This impression not only drives urgency but also rewards your most enthusiastic customers. Consider unique workshops, meet-and-greets, or product customisation services that can’t be found elsewhere.
• Tap into Local Networks: Engage with local businesses and communities to spread the word. Cross-promotions, joint events, or even simple flyer distributions in neighbouring businesses can introduce your pop-up in London to diverse audiences. Community engagement strengthens your brand’s local presence and fosters goodwill.
• Make it Newsworthy: Pitch your pop-up story to local newspapers, lifestyle magazines, and event listings. A compelling angle or an unusual proposition can earn you valuable editorial coverage. Don’t overlook niche publications or blogs that align closely with your target audience.
• Analyse and Adapt: Finally, monitor the performance of your marketing strategies closely and be ready to pivot if necessary. Use social media analytics, feedback from influencers, and direct customer interactions to gauge what’s working and what’s not. Flexibility allows you to maximise engagement throughout your pop-up’s tenure.

Implementing these creative marketing strategies can set your pop-up apart in London’s bustling retail scene, turning it from a temporary setup into a memorable event that resonates with attendees long after they’ve left!

FAQs about Pop Up Shops in London

Why should I hire a pop up shop in London?

Pop-up shops are a great idea for many reasons. They can be used to bump up sales and gain a loyal customer base in a new location or to launch your business adventure! If your primary way of selling is through an online store, organising a pop-up might be a great idea to interact with your customers and help them understand your brand better. You can also make this temporary shop a unique experience for your customers, for instance by providing exclusive items, demos, or even an immersive pop-up event.

When it comes to the London part, the answer is simple. It’s buzzing with life! London is the world’s financial capital and it’s filled with a diverse mix of locals and tourists of all demographics. People come to London to find innovation and vibrancy, so your next pop-up shop might be exactly what they’re looking for!

Which parts of London are best for pop up shops?

The key to finding a perfect pop-up location is combining a couple of factors. You’ll want the area to be well-frequented and connected, but it also needs to fit the vibe you’re looking for! Depending on your target demographic, you might want to check out a few different areas. We can definitely recommend hip and buzzing Soho for most purposes. If you’re looking to attract creatives in particular, the artsy streets of Shoreditch might be a great place to look for a pop-up venue.

How much does a pop up shop cost in London?

When hiring a pop-up shop in London, you'll find that most of the venues charge hire fees. Because pop-up venues can last anywhere from a day to multiple weeks, by the day pricing is the most common. Depending on the location and size of the venue, expect fees to range anywhere from £130 to £7,500 per day. If you want to organise a shorter and more affordable pop-up retail event, costs can begin at £60 per session or £14 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What top pop up shops in London can you recommend?

Some of the best pop-up shop venues on our website include:

• Ground and Lower Studio Rooms at The Living Room Place Furzedown Venue - this pop up space, located in Wandsworth, includes display rooms on the ground floor and a studio on the basement level, which you can use as a space for your staff.
• Exhibition Room at The Goldsmiths’ Centre - this spacious and airy venue can easily be arranged to fit your pop-up needs. If you’re looking for a beautiful storefront in a convenient location, this Farringdon venue is a good choice!
• Old Parish Hall at Core Clapton - this venue is a brilliant blank canvas option to set up your pop-up shop in. The space, located in Clapton, boasts a mixture of traditional and modern design features.