The 5 Types of Pop-Up Shops and How to Figure Out What’s Right for You

What is a pop-up shop? Everything you need to know to try short-term retail > 23 Smart Pop-Up Shop Ideas to Steal From These Successful Brands > The 5 Types of Pop-Up Shops and How to Figure Out What’s Right for You

If you’re planning your first pop-up shop, you’re not alone. After spending the last five years at Storefront helping hundreds of brands secure temporary spaces, I can confidently say every brand starts with the same questions: What type of pop-up is right for me? What setup do I need? How complex will it be?

Pop-up retail has exploded over the past few years, and today there are more types of pop-up shops, formats, and creative store ideas than ever. Below, I break down the five most common pop-up shop types, explain their advantages, and share what to consider when choosing yours.

If you’re already browsing locations, explore our available spaces in New York pop-up retail spaces, Paris pop-up spaces, London retail spaces for pop-ups, or view the French version here: Espaces éphémères à Paris.If you want a quick refresher, read this explainer: What is a pop-up shop?

The 5 Main Types of Pop-Up Shops

There are many ways to activate a pop-up, and each format suits different goals. These are the most common pop-up shop examples you’ll see across major retail markets.

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1. Store-Within-a-Store

A store-within-a-store is one of the most resource-efficient formats. You temporarily occupy space inside an existing retailer such as a boutique, café, or specialty shop. Because these shops already attract regular customers, this format is ideal for first-time pop-ups.

Why brands choose it:

• Move-in ready
• Very fast to launch
• Perfect for short-term activations
• Customers already visiting benefit you instantly

What to consider:
Your brand must complement the host store’s style and audience. They’ll likely ask for your products and visuals before confirming.

If you want inspiration for collaborative pop-ups, see our pop-up collaboration guide.

2. Kiosks & Booth Spaces

Kiosks and booths are commonly found in malls, markets, and shopping centres. They’re some of the most effective types of pop-ups for ecommerce brands going offline for the first time.

Why brands choose it:

• High built-in foot traffic
• Low setup and low cost
• Perfect for sales-focused activations
• Great for sampling and brand discovery

What to consider:
Check which brands are positioned nearby. You want complementary neighbours, not direct competitors.

This is one of the easiest pop-up shop ideas for brands testing retail quickly.

 3. Gallery, Event, and General Pop-Up Space

Gallery spaces, studios, and event venues often operate as rotating pop-up locations. These spaces are ideal for experiential retail, installations, VIP events, or creative product launches.

Why brands choose it:

• Highly flexible layouts
• Move-in ready
• Bookable months in advance
• Often run by experienced hosts

What to consider:
Prime dates book fast. If you want holiday weekends or launch periods, secure them early.

4. In-Line Shopping Centre Stores

These are the classic mall stores that line the corridors between anchors. They provide significantly more control than a kiosk but are generally more affordable than prime street-level retail.

Why brands choose it:

• Excellent mall foot traffic
• Strong visibility
• Cost-effective short-term leasing
• Mall teams are used to temporary retail

What to consider:
Placement is crucial. Ask about foot traffic patterns, anchor stores nearby, and visibility from main mall paths.

5. Vacant Street-Level Retail Space

This is the premium option — a full storefront in a desirable shopping street. If you want to create an immersive brand experience, this is the format with the most creative potential.

Why brands choose it:

• Complete control over design
• Maximum visibility
• Perfect for high-impact launches
• Ideal for PR, experiential activations, and brand storytelling

What to consider:
Street-level spaces may be more expensive and harder to secure far in advance, as landlords prioritise long-term tenants.

For pop-up inspiration, explore the high-performing retail districts in New York, Paris, and London — these cities host some of the most iconic pop-up store examples worldwide.

How to Choose the Right Pop-Up Shop Type

To understand which pop-up shop type suits your brand, consider:

1. Your goal:
   Awareness? Sales? Market testing? A creative launch?
2. Your resources:
   Staff, display needs, build-out budget, logistics.
3. Your duration:
   • Freestanding = best for multi-month
   • Semi-permanent = mid-length
   • Temporary = days or weeks
4. Your audience:
   Choose a location they naturally visit.
   (Tip: London, Paris, and New York are global hotspots for high-performance pop-ups.)

Start with your audience → then format → then neighbourhood → then size.

Pop-Up Stores to Build Awareness & Enter New Markets

Pop-ups have become a core growth strategy for brands entering new markets or launching new products. They allow you to create memorable, attention-grabbing retail experiences without committing to a long-term lease.

Brands use pop-up stores to:

• Create buzz and PR moments
• Test new products and markets
• Gather real-world customer insights
• Build stronger community connections
• Increase brand awareness quickly

This flexibility is why we see so many standout pop-up shop examples each month across our major markets.

Conclusion

Pop-ups have transformed how brands connect with customers. From low-effort kiosks to fully custom street-level stores, there’s a type of pop-up for every brand, goal, and budget. With the right format and location, a pop-up can drive awareness, growth, sales, and long-term customer relationships.

After five years helping brands launch successful pop-ups through Storefront, I can say this confidently: the best pop-up shops aren’t the biggest — they’re the clearest in purpose.

If you need help finding your next space, you’re in the right place.

FAQ: Pop-Up Shops, Formats & Ideas

What are the main types of pop-up shops?

The most common types include store-within-a-store setups, kiosks and booths, gallery and event spaces, in-line mall stores, and vacant street-level retail units. Each type suits different goals, budgets, and levels of experience.

What is the easiest pop-up shop format for beginners?

Store-within-a-store formats and kiosks are the easiest options. They require minimal build-out and benefit from built-in foot traffic, making them perfect for first-time pop-ups.

How do I choose the right type of pop-up shop for my brand?

Start with your goal (sales, awareness, testing), then choose the format that aligns with your resources, timeline, and audience. Consider foot traffic, neighbourhood style, and the amount of creative control you need.

What are some successful pop-up shop examples?

Successful pop-ups typically include immersive brand activations, seasonal stores, product launch events, and limited-time collaborations. Cities like New York, London, and Paris regularly host some of the world’s most creative pop-up store examples.

How long should a pop-up shop last?

Most pop-ups last anywhere from a weekend to a few months. The ideal length depends on your goals, product type, and the availability of the space you choose.

Do pop-ups work for online-only brands?

Yes — pop-ups are especially effective for ecommerce brands looking to build awareness, meet customers in person, collect feedback, or launch in a new market.

Where can I get pop-up shop inspiration?

You can browse real-world pop-up shop ideas by exploring retail spaces in New York, Paris, and London — these cities consistently showcase innovative and high-performing pop-up concepts.