Thinking of launching a pop-up shop? Here’s what you need to know (and why it works).
Pop-up retail has grown from a novelty into a reliable sales channel and for good reason. It’s fast to set up, cost-effective and ideal for testing new markets or regions. Whether you’re an e-commerce-first brand, an independent maker or an established retailer looking to scale, a pop-up shop offers something a permanent in-line store does not – flexibility without long-term risk.
But with the rise of pop-ups comes a wave of questions:
Here’s pop-up shops demystified for you.
1. What exactly is a pop-up shop anyway?
A pop-up retail store is a temporary retail setup that you often see in high footfall locations like shopping centres, train stations and retail parks. It’s designed to drive quick visibility, sales and engagement without the need of a permanent lease.
Think a jewellery brand on the concourse of a busy mall, a grab-and-go food retailer in a train station.
Whether it’s a brand activation, a seasonal campaign, or a product trial, the pop-up model helps you move fast in the dynamic physical retail world. Some pop-ups run for a weekend, while others for several months. It depends on your goals, product and location.
Here’s how Shopify describes it.
2. Do you need planning permission for a pop-up shop?
In most cases, no, especially if it’s located in a shopping centre or a licensed public venue. These venues typically have the necessary permits in place for temporary retail activity. However, if you are planning a pop-up on private property or in a high street space, local regulations may apply.
SpaceandPeople handle compliance, site permission and location logistics – so you don’t have to fear the red tape.
3. Do you need license for a pop-up shop?
Yes – there are different kinds of licenses depending on your activity and location. Pop-up retailers need public liability insurance, especially in public spaces. Depending on what you sell, product liability, employer’s liability cover, specific trading licenses (for food, cosmetics or regulated items) may also be required.
Here’s a guide to insurances for small businesses
4. Are pop-up shops temporary?
Yes – but with potential for more.
Pop-ups are, by design, temporary, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Many of our retailers, after seeing success, extend their stay, scale across multiple venues, or return seasonally.
The short-term nature of pop-ups also means low commitment, high agility. Some brands use them for a quick seasonal hit while others use it as a stepping stone towards permanent retail.
Either way, they are built to suit your pace.
5. How much does a pop-up shop cost?
Costs vary depending on the location, duration, kiosk design, insurance, staffing, etc. Some of our most successful retailers launched with modest investments, focusing instead on strong market fit, merchandising and smart timing.
One of the main reasons pop-up retail has taken off is its accessibility.
We support businesses of all sizes – from emerging brands with only a couple of SKUs to global names running multi-site activations across the UK.
Check out our Pop-up Must Haves for 2025 for expert tips to get the most from your budget
6. Can you make money from pop-up shops?
Yes – and here’s some proof.
Read about how an independent online honey retailer launched their pop-up shops in 3 of the UK’s top 5 shopping centres.
Beyond the quick sales bursts, lies the boost in brand visibility, new customer acquisition and market testing.
7. How can I host my own pop-up shop?
It starts here:
We provide exclusive access to hundreds of venues across the UK and Europe, matching your brand to the ideal venue and handling every step- from design to compliance logistics to on-site support.
Final Word: Why Pop-up Shops Work
After nearly 25 years in the industry, we can tell you that there’s no smarter model for your brand to step into physical retail than pop-up retail – if you’re seeking access, speed and growth without long-term risk.
Ready to hit the ground running?
How about we start with a business plan.
Reach out to us today!