Setting Up a Pop-Up Shop in 2025: Tips for Success
Pop-up stores aren’t new, but they’ve never been more powerful. In 2025, brands are using short-term spaces to test new ideas, reach new audiences, and make real-world impact—without locking into long-term leases.
If you’re launching a new product, trialling a physical store, or just want to connect with your audience face-to-face, a pop-up is a smart and flexible way to do it.
This guide walks you through what you need to know—from finding the right space to getting your paperwork sorted.
What Is a Pop-Up Shop?
A pop-up is a temporary retail space—set up for a few days, weeks or months—where you can bring your brand to life in the real world. Unlike traditional retail, pop-ups are short-term and flexible.
You choose the space, the vibe, the story.
They can be found everywhere—from high streets and shopping centres to markets and events. And they’re especially valuable for online brands wanting to step offline and build a tangible presence.
Why Brands Choose Pop-Ups
Pop-ups aren’t just trendy—they’re strategic. Here’s why more brands are leaning in:
Real-life engagement. Let people touch, try, taste, and connect with your product.
Low risk, high reward. Test markets and concepts without committing to a long-term lease.
FOMO effect. People act fast when they know something’s temporary.
Buzz builder. They attract attention—on the street and online.
They also give you insight into your audience in a way that digital alone can’t—seeing who stops, what they say, how they interact.
Are Pop-Up Stores Considered Temporary Businesses?
Not quite. The location is temporary—but the business often isn’t.
Plenty of big brands use pop-ups as part of a long-term growth plan. Some go on to open permanent shops, others use pop-ups as a regular part of their marketing calendar.
You’ll still need to treat it like a proper business—with an ABN, insurance, and any required permits in place. But the beauty of a pop-up is that it allows you to move quickly, try things out, and grow on your own terms.
How Do I Set Up a Pop-Up Store?
Setting up a pop-up might sound daunting, but with the right steps, it can be smooth, strategic—and even fun. Here’s a breakdown of how to bring your idea to life:
1. Get Clear on Your Why
Start with your purpose—it will shape every decision you make.
Ask yourself:
Are you testing a product in real life?
Trying bricks-and-mortar after selling online?
Building hype for a new launch?
Reaching a new audience or location?
Your “why” helps you define what success looks like, and how to measure it once your pop-up wraps up.
2. Choose The Right Space
It’s not just about what’s available—it’s about what fits your brand, audience, and goals.
Consider:
Location: Is your audience already in the area? Is there natural foot traffic?
Size: Will it suit your layout, product displays, and customer flow?
Style: Does it match your brand aesthetic? Will you need to bring in shelving, signage, lighting, etc.?
Cost and inclusions: What’s included (Wi-Fi, power, storage)? What extra costs might come up?
💡 Start small. A well-curated setup in the right spot can have more impact than a massive space that’s not aligned with your brand.
3. Get the Paperwork Sorted
Pop-ups usually operate under a short-term licence agreement (not a full lease). This outlines:
Your bump-in and bump-out dates
Payment terms and inclusions
Access, rules, and shared areas
Fit-out or signage conditions
💡 Want to skip the admin? If contracts and logistics aren’t your strength, you can always work with people who specialise in this side of things—so you can stay focused on your goals.
4. Design The Experience
Your setup should feel like your brand—just in real life.
Plan your layout:
Hero moment. What do you want people to see first?
Flow. Can customers move through the space easily?
Function. Where will you keep stock, process payments, or store bags?
Think about the mood:
Brand colours and signage
Music, lighting, scent
Product displays or samples
Even the smallest details can turn a casual visit into a lasting memory.
5. Handle Insurance & Licences
Before you open your doors, make sure your legal and safety bases are covered.
You’ll likely need:
Public liability insurance – covers injury or damage to third parties in your space.
Product liability insurance – if you sell physical products (especially food or skincare).
Council permits or food handling certificates – if you’re sampling, serving or selling food.
Depending on what you offer, also consider:
Professional indemnity insurance – if you’re giving advice or specialised services.
Workers’ compensation – if you’re employing staff or volunteers.
Contents insurance – for your stock and fit-out items.
Window or building insurance top-ups – check what the landlord already has.
Some insurers offer bundled pop-up policies that combine the essentials.
💡 Tip: Always ask the space provider what’s already covered—sometimes you can contribute to existing policies instead of taking out your own.
6. Promote It Like It Matters
Pop-ups are short—and that urgency is your marketing superpower. But you need to get the word out, fast.
Your pre-launch checklist:
Share teaser posts and countdowns on socials
Document your setup process with stories or behind-the-scenes reels
Email your list with a special invite
Create a Facebook or Eventbrite event
Collaborate with local businesses or influencers
Add signage nearby to catch local foot traffic
Reach out to newsletters, event guides, or press
💡 The more people who know you’re coming, the more chance you have of making an impact. Don’t be afraid to hype it up.
Is a Pop-Up Right for You?
Pop-ups aren’t just for polished brands or fully-formed products. They’re for ideas in motion. For people trying something new. For creators, founders, and side-hustlers ready to test something bold.
From weekend concepts to long-term plans, a pop-up can be a turning point. A real-world moment that helps you grow, connect, and build momentum. And with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be hard.
PopHub is here when you’re ready. We make it easier to find flexible spaces, understand your options, and launch something great—on your own terms.
