We are always hearing the term "Pop up shop but I'm never quite sure what it means. Here my lovely friend Lisa explains why she will be having a one day Jubilee themed pop up shop for her lovely boutique LottyBlue.
What does a popup shop mean? We are hearing the word popup more and more including from the retail guru and high street champion Mary Portas who has highlighted the plight of the empty shops on our high streets. With rents being high and the economic climate perhaps putting independent retailers off from renting a shop, the idea of leasing a premise for a couple of days is somewhat more appealing. The popup shop allows independent retailers and designers to test the market to see if the reaction to new products is favourable.Its simple, its affordable and it keeps our high streets vibrant.
The LottyBlue Popup Shop
I have watched Mary Portas on TV programmes and in interviews talking about popup shops and she is presently involved in talks about with government to obtain funding for schemes across the country to improve the high street. I never thought that I would be having a popup shop myself, it always happens to other people!
I have watched Mary Portas on TV programmes and in interviews talking about popup shops and she is presently involved in talks about with government to obtain funding for schemes across the country to improve the high street. I never thought that I would be having a popup shop myself, it always happens to other people!
Inspired by Mary I plucked up the courage to contact my local shopping centre and ask about the Jubilee celebrations in my town of Stafford. I was firstly very interested to see what was happening in my local town and to see if LottyBlue could be part of the celebrations and perhaps offer my services in some way.
I was blown away by the warm welcome I got from from Ann Graham the Guildhall Shopping Centre manager especially when she invited me in for a chat. It was an exciting meeting and we discussed LottyBlue and my love for vintage nostalgia and what I could bring to a vacant shop, if one was available.
Given that the town was having a 1950’s themed Jubilee celebration with local businesses getting involved it was a perfect fit, Lottyblue is all about vintage style and I have a great love for mid century living, these combined elements meant I could bring an interesting and valuable contribution to the days events.
Given that the town was having a 1950’s themed Jubilee celebration with local businesses getting involved it was a perfect fit, Lottyblue is all about vintage style and I have a great love for mid century living, these combined elements meant I could bring an interesting and valuable contribution to the days events.
The popup shop is a fantastic chance for LottyBlue to have a physical presence on my local high street which will allow me to meet people and talk about my brand and what Lottyblue is all about. Being based online I usually take orders through my website and whilst I constantly use social media and write about my products and vintage lifestyle on my blog to have the opportunity to meet customers face to face really excites me.
I would have loved to have collaborated with other vintage lovelies but unfortunately I found it difficult to inspire others with this great opportunity! Perhaps there needs some re-educating about what a popup is?
Undeterred I approached some high street stores where I found retail giants like Marks and Spencer and Monsoon to be fantastic. I just plucked up the courage to ask if I could borrow items to dress the shop.
As I have only got the pop up for one day I really didn't want to buy props such as a dress, bunting etc and wondered if other stores would be prepared to contribute. I am so pleased I asked as they loved the idea and thought that it was a great concept and would add interest to the towns Jubilee celebrations. I pitched it to them that LottyBlue would direct people to buy the displayed items from their shop and I feel as long as you are giving the lender / retailer something back in return most were happy to contribute.
What will be going in the Shop?
What will be going in the Shop?
An eclectic mix of mid century furniture which I have restored Parker Knoll, G Plan and Ercol all of which dated from the 50's and 60's atomic. New designers such as John Green, Lisa Stickley and What Katie Did are just a few of the fab names which will be featured. All of them are influenced and inspired by nostalgia of the 1950's to create beautiful products for today’s modern consumer.
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| Parker Knoll furniture |
Little Waltonbank ceramics
I am also absolutely thrilled to be having a ceramics designer in the popup Sarah Heaton from Little Walton Bank Pottery (http://www.littlewaltonbank.co.uk/). I stock her stunning pottery and it is a delight to have her come in on the day and she is also thrilled about the pop up shop idea.
For me having a popup shop for one day only is really exciting and although of course it is also hard work it's a unique opportunity to showcase my business while including other local business too and engaging with the general public face to face.
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| Lisa Stickley ceramics |
In one way I am glad I am doing this shop on my own it's me who approached the shopping centre manager and in true dragons den style pitched the idea and obtained a unit so well done me and if I can do it so can you!
So on the 2nd of June LottyBlue will be opening up her popup doors for one day only at Stafford Guildford Shopping centre. It would be great to see you!
And hopefully will pave the way for another LottyBlue popup adventure soon.
Sterk Apron Giveaway
Sign up to the LottyBlue email newsletter and be entered in to a prize draw to win a hostess apron
LottyBlue are also offering a fabulous 20% off their website until the 5th of June. The code is jubilee (all in lowercase)
Diamonds and Daggers Blighty Necklace Giveaway and Discount Code
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Win this wonderful necklace
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The wonderful Diamonds and Daggers are very generously offering one of my readers a Blighty Heart necklace which I'm sure you will agree would look rather lovely at a Jubilee themed get together.
To enter:
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The winner will be chosen via random number generator on June the 3rd 2012
*And the goodies don't stop there Diamonds and Daggers are offering a fabulous 25% off any order for the next month. Use code BettyBee
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