"Pop up" retail?

[WSU MUP Student]

Does anybody know of a resource or maybe sort of a guide on how to go about using a vacant storefront for pop-up retail?

A local DDA director has learned that one of their retailers is moving out of one spot and into a larger, newer space a block or two away. The spot that will be vacated is in a traditional downtown and on a main road with on-street parking, minimal set back, nice traffic counts, and a good residential population nearby. The DDA and the current owner don't think they could get the store remodeled for a permanent store in-time for the holidays (besides, they don't have a permanent person lined up) but they can probably get new signage and paint to satisfy a pop-up. The city seems receptive to the idea and as long as it's not food or pornography it will probably not be an issue.

It sounds like the DDA Director is just looking for information on how to actually find somebody willing to open up there for a few months. I put her in touch with a local outdoor clothing company that has successfully done pop-ups elsewhere to see if maybe they could lend some expertise. Any other ideas? (This isn't within my usual bailiwick)

[Mud Princess]

Does anybody know of a resource or maybe sort of a guide on how to go about using a vacant storefront for pop-up retail?

I haven't seen a "how to" guide, but I do have a few good articles from Chain Store Age on pop-up retail. Try these links:

Dos and Don'ts of Pop-Up Retail
Limited Edition Retail

Do you need examples? I may have some - let me know.

[WSU MUP Student]

I haven't seen a "how to" guide, but I do have a few good articles from Chain Store Age on pop-up retail. Try these links:

Dos and Don'ts of Pop-Up Retail
Limited Edition Retail

Do you need examples? I may have some - let me know.

I think these articles are a nice start. I think the DDA person really just wants somebody to hold her hand through the process. Hopefully the person from the local retailer who has done a few of these will be able to offer some advice.

[Dan]

There's a pop-up art gallery here, located in a storefront previously occupied by a clothing store. It seems like a good interim use, because artists are always looking for space to exhibit and sell their work, but they can't afford a dedicated permanent gallery. Commercial galleries already serve a similar function.