When an entrepreneur is contemplating starting a retail business, he needs space to set up his store. He can buy or lease business premises. Since entrepreneurs like to keep their investment low when starting a business, they prefer to lease the store space. In the initial stages, it is beneficial for a retailer to start small. He has the option of introducing his products in different places in small quantities through temporary stores.

These are stores that pop up out of nowhere and suddenly disappear after a short period of time.

Benefits of these stores for new retail businesses:

• They require a minimal investment as they are available at low rents.
• They have the ability to attract customers because their sudden appearance creates curiosity in the minds of customers.
• They are suitable for promotions.
• They can be used with minimal structural changes.
• They are ideal when a retailer wants to test the market response to a new product.
• The store location can be selected to measure the performance of the business there. This will allow the retailer to determine the suitability of the location for their startup.

Once a retailer decides to set up a pop-up store, they must search for a suitable location for one. The location of the store must be taken into account. It is best to choose a space in the immediate vicinity of a business that complements the retailer’s business and sends the same lifestyle message.

Some popular locations for pop-up shops are:

• Galleries and Event Spaces – These spaces have a certain charm associated with them due to their open space and minimal setup required. They are ideal for products such as women’s fashion, costume jewellery, accessories, etc.
• Event Booth Spaces – If an entrepreneur is looking for a location for a temporary tent, they should keep an eye out for upcoming events. He could get space in a vacant position to set up his shop. You can also rent booth space or a kiosk at a mall.
• Vacant store space in a mall: A store may have additional unused space that it may be willing to rent for this purpose.
• Vacant space at street level: These are the most popular places to set up a temporary store.

By presenting their products through pop-up stores, the entrepreneur is in a better position to decide on the location of their retail store and what customers expect from their product. This helps you better plan your business.