Just had a long-term tenant move out and want to generate income while you look for something more permanent? Or maybe you’re using your space occasionally but want to offset costs? Preparing your vacant space for pop-up shop tenants is one of the fastest ways to activate a property, attract quality brands, and generate flexible short-term revenue.

Even better: it doesn’t require a full renovation. A few intentional upgrades can dramatically improve demand, boost your listing visibility, and create a smooth experience for pop-up brands.

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Why Pop-Up Shops Are a Smart Opportunity for Landlords

Before diving into preparation, it’s helpful to understand why so many property owners are embracing short-term retail:

• Earn income faster — Pop-ups fill gaps between long-term leases.
• Flexible commitments — Rent your space by the week or month.
• Increased visibility — Pop-ups drive foot traffic and keep the property active.
• Minimal investment required — Pop-up tenants prefer clean, blank, move-in-ready spaces.

Short-term retail has become a mainstream category. Landlords who prepare intentionally—and market their space as pop-up ready—see significantly higher interest.

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1. Prep Your Storefront (First Impressions Matter)

If your space is street-facing or sits in a high-foot-traffic area, the storefront is one of the biggest decision factors for pop-up brands.

Large windows, clean signage, and good visibility help retailers imagine how they’ll capture attention.

Examples that work:
Fruit of the Loom’s The Früt Store pop-up created a playful, memorable window display (undergarments hanging from a tree). The quirky, creative visual immediately communicated their brand and drew customers in.

What landlords should do:

• Clean interior and exterior windows.
• Remove old stickers, tape, and outdated signage.
• Fix exterior lighting and replace any dull bulbs.
• Sweep the sidewalk and remove clutter.
• Ensure windows allow enough natural light for displays.

Why this matters: Pop-ups rely heavily on marketing and visual merchandising. A clean, visible storefront instantly improves perceived value.

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2. Create a Blank Canvas (White-Boxing Works)

Retailers want to imagine their brand in the space. The simpler the interior, the easier it is for them to customize.

A true white-box-ready space includes:

• Fresh, neutral paint (white or light gray)
• Clean floors in good condition
• Open layout
• Adjustable or track lighting
• Minimal built-ins that can’t be moved

Why this matters:
A blank canvas increases your pool of potential tenants. Fashion brands, F&B concepts, homewares, art galleries, and beauty brands can all visualize their fit-out.

Aim for

• Blank white walls
• Neutral gray flooring
• Bright, even lighting
• A large display window

Create a turnkey environment perfect for activations across industries.

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3. Get Your Tech Up to Par (Pop Ups Need Basics + WiFi)

Technology is often the deciding factor for whether a brand can book your space quickly.

Non-negotiables for pop-up tenants:

• Working outlets throughout the space
• Adequate lighting
• Heating/cooling
• Optional: speakers, projectors, or mounted TVs

One tip that dramatically increases bookings:
➡️ Offer complimentary WiFi.
Most modern point-of-sale (POS) systems require internet access. If you provide WiFi, you can integrate the cost into rental fees.

Example: Brit + Co used WiFi and livestreaming to enhance their community pop-up event—highlighting how digital integrations are becoming standard for retailers.

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4. Offer Conveniences That Retailers Love

Beyond the basics, a few thoughtful conveniences can make your space stand out—especially when renters compare multiple listings.

Inventory Storage / Stock Room

Every retailer has backstock. A small dedicated area immediately increases the appeal and functionality of your space.

Fitting Rooms (highly valuable for apparel)

If you have existing fitting rooms, highlight them.
If not, consider:

• a simple curtained corner
• modular fitting room units

These are huge perks for fashion pop-ups in cities like LA, New York, and San Francisco.

Parking

Even one parking spot for load-in/load-out is a major convenience.

Useful Fixtures

Provide (only if easy to move/remove):

• Garment racks
• Rolling shelves
• Mirrors
• Small furniture
• A simple lounge area

Tip:
Make all fixtures optional. Brands value flexibility.

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5. Mind the Details (Small Fixes = Big Impact)

This is where landlords can truly differentiate themselves.

Before listing your space, go through it with a fine-tooth comb, imagining yourself as the tenant:

Landlord Detail Checklist

• Patch holes in walls and touch up paint
• Replace outdated fixtures, knobs, and light switches
• Upgrade any broken or yellowed ceiling panels
• Hire professional cleaners between tenants
• Ensure the space smells fresh
• Sweep outside the entrance
• Remove leftovers from previous tenants
• Check that locks and security systems work properly

Example:
A SoHo retail space recently upgraded its fixtures and lighting—small changes that helped attract major brands including JCPenney for a pop-up.

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Quick Upgrades That Increase Bookings

These improvements are low-cost but high-impact:

• LED lighting swap
• Keyless entry
• High-speed WiFi
• Fresh white paint
• New exterior lights
• Portable mirrors
• Polished concrete floors
• Small portable storage units

These help your listing stand out in competitive markets.

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How to Market Your Pop-Up Ready Space

Once your space is ready:

Highlight “Pop-Up Ready” Features

Use keywords pop-up brands search for, including:

• “Move-in ready”
• “White-boxed”
• “Flexible layout”
• “Utilities included”
• “WiFi available”
• “Short-term retail leasing”

List on Storefront

The fastest way to get discovered by thousands of brands actively looking for temporary retail space. List your space here. It’s free to list.

Use Strong Visuals

Upload high-quality photos of:

• The empty space
• Front-facing window
• Lighting and ceiling
• Storage area
• Bathroom
• Street view

Respond Quickly

Pop ups often need space this month. Fast responses = higher conversions.

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Common Mistakes Landlords Make (and How to Avoid Them)

• Leaving old fixtures or clutter in the space
• Not providing enough lighting
• Not cleaning windows or entrance
• Ambiguous rental terms
• Not documenting dimensions or utilities
• Over-furnishing the space
• Slow response times

Avoiding these small issues unlocks significantly more demand.

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Final Thoughts: Turn Your Vacant Space Into a Pop-Up Ready Retail Unit

Pop-ups thrive in spaces that are clean, functional, flexible, and well-presented. By following these simple steps—and thinking like a retailer—you’ll make your property more appealing, generate revenue quickly, and build long-term value.

👉 Ready to attract high-quality pop-up brands? List your space on Storefront today.

Find out more about listing a space on Storefront.