The Power Of Pop-ups: Why Do Fashion Brands Need Them?

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by Sana Bun

The Power Of Pop-ups: Why Do Fashion Brands Need Them?

8 May 2024

In recent years, we see more and more temporary retail spaces appearing all around the world for a short time. Bright and intriguing, they generate buzz, captivate social media, and become a must-visit spot for every self-respecting fashionista. But why do brands actually need pop-ups? Let’s sort it out.

Jacquemus pop-up at Level Shoes in Dubai Mall

The main reason is not hard to determine — pop-ups draw attention to the brand. By placing unusual zones in high-traffic or trendy locations, fashion labels increase their visibility. This helps them reach an informational field of audiences they haven’t reached through other channels and, therefore, attract new clients.

Jacquemus pop-up at Level Shoes in Dubai Mall. Instagram: @levelshoes

Hermès Kite Festival at Sunset Beach in Dubai

On the other hand, pop-ups allow brands to engage with already existing customers, create new experiences for them, and build up even stronger relationships with loyal clients by fostering a sense of community — especially by hosting exclusive events with limited excess.

Hermès Kite Festival. Instagram: @robin.ldt

Prada Mode Dubai

In other words, pop-ups are a perfect example of one of the most powerful types of marketing — experiential. While ads and other people’s reviews might not be as persuasive, the physical interaction with the brand and its products allows you to make your own judgment. And, let’s be honest, it is easier to form a positive attitude through an immersive, memorable encounter.

Prada Mode Dubai. Source: prada.com

Amina Muaddi pop-up store at Kite Beach in Dubai

In parallel, stepping away from the customer experience perspective, pop-ups serve as a practical tool for achieving business goals. For instance, the use of temporary activations as a platform for product, collection, or collaboration launch, creates clamor and excitement around the release. Add Instagrammable decorations and wait for virality to do its thing — sold-outs are provided.

Amina Muaddi pop-up store at Kite Beach in Dubai. Instagram: @ounass

Dior pop-up at Nammos Beach Club in Dubai

Along with that, pop-ups are a low-risk way to test new locations and even whole markets. Compared to committing to a permanent presence in certain areas, temporary retail spaces are relatively cheap to maintain and use for demand and sales predictions.

Dior pop-up at Nammos Beach Club in Dubai. Instagram: @nammos.dubai

Basically, pop-ups are always a win-win situation: while being a fun activity for the customer, they also assist brands with strategic struggles. Why, then, not help each other?

Valentino x Matcha Padel Dubai. Instagram: @matchadxb

by Sana Bun