In my previous post, How to Prepare for Small Business Saturday, I shared a few of my tried and true tips to help you and your small business get the most out of this popular shopping holiday. When done well, an entrepreneur like yourself could make a nice profit by showcasing your products and services for Shop Small.
You can go even further with these tips if you launch a pop up shop just in time for the holiday shopping frenzy. Small Business Saturday is an awesome time to open a physical store, even if its just for the day or weekend, to capitalize on those looking to buy goods from small businesses.
What is a pop up shop you ask? It is a temporary location that entrepreneurs can utilize in order to sell their stuff. It can be anywhere including a storefront, loft, outdoor park, you name it. Take your business to the next level with an actual physical shop and go online to offline.
Small business owners can launch a pop up shop as a way to extend their brand, get more buzz, and showcase new products. Interested in opening a pop up shop for Shop Small? Follow these suggestions.
Space matters
Select a space that is complimentary to your brand, products, and also to your customer base. Make sure to factor in parking, internet or wifi service, and other items that are important for you being able to run your business from the space.
Get the proper paperwork
When launching your pop up shop, make sure to get the necessary paperwork that allows you to do business in your city or town. In order to be a proprietor in a physical location, you may have to invest in a business license. Research what you will need and begin working on it now so you can launch come Shop Small. Insurance is a must, too.
Partner
If you have friends who already have a space, perhaps partnering would be a good look for your pop up shop. Know someone who owns a salon? Partner by setting up your pop up shop in an area of the shop and capitalize on the clients who come in for services.
This may be a cheaper option since you won’t have to pay as much to rent a space within a space for your pop up shop, and it can be an added bonus to others who already patronize the space.
Create an invitation
Get the word out about your pop up shop by creating a virtual invite online. You can use Evite or you can have one made through Fiverr as a low cost option, or make your own on Canva.
Make sure to circulate the invite on Facebook (you can invite people on your friends list and even on your Facebook business page). Have it listed in your local newspaper calendar as well for maximum impact. Don’t forget to personally invite local tastemakers, bloggers, and influencers to your shoppe. They can also help spread the word about it and maybe share it on their blog sites or social media pages.
Press release
Create a professional press release to get the word out about your pop up shop. In it, list some of the specialty items you will be selling and what will be in store for your customers.
Make it an experience
You want your pop up shop to rock, so make it an experience customers will remember. Invite local hosts/hostesses to rouse the crowd and make shopping enjoyable. Offer treats like mimosas, tea, coffee, baked goods and other items. People tend to spend more money when their tastebuds are satisfied.
You can also incorporate a theme to really add some wow factor. Things like Winter Wonderland or Let it Snow can add not only the the decor and appeal of your pop up shop, but also rally the troops for the holidays.
Pop Up Shops are great if you sell physical goods such as:
- t-shirts and merch
- decor items
- handmade DIY items
- books and journals
- wholesale items
- art
- jewelry
- & more!
Once you’ve done all of the above, mosey on over this THIS post and make sure that you have everything you need to make Small Business Saturday a success including how to get the most bang out of your email list.
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