{"id":5118,"date":"2017-11-17T09:00:50","date_gmt":"2017-11-17T09:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.thestorefront.com\/?p=5118"},"modified":"2026-03-13T18:02:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T18:02:52","slug":"flying-solo-lands-in-asia-with-pop-up-in-hong-kong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/flying-solo-lands-in-asia-with-pop-up-in-hong-kong\/","title":{"rendered":"How Flying Solo Used a Pop-Up Store to Expand From New York to Hong Kong"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/flying-solo-lands-in-asia-with-pop-up-in-hong-kong\/#From_New_York_Retail_Concept_to_Global_Expansion\" title=\"From New York Retail Concept to Global Expansion\">From New York Retail Concept to Global Expansion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/flying-solo-lands-in-asia-with-pop-up-in-hong-kong\/#Bringing_Independent_Designers_to_the_Asian_Market\" title=\"Bringing Independent Designers to the Asian Market\">Bringing Independent Designers to the Asian Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/flying-solo-lands-in-asia-with-pop-up-in-hong-kong\/#Why_Pop-Up_Stores_Work_for_International_Expansion\" title=\"Why Pop-Up Stores Work for International Expansion\">Why Pop-Up Stores Work for International Expansion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/flying-solo-lands-in-asia-with-pop-up-in-hong-kong\/#Finding_the_Right_Location_in_Hong_Kong\" title=\"Finding the Right Location in Hong Kong\">Finding the Right Location in Hong Kong<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/flying-solo-lands-in-asia-with-pop-up-in-hong-kong\/#Testing_New_Markets_Through_Temporary_Retail\" title=\"Testing New Markets Through Temporary Retail\">Testing New Markets Through Temporary Retail<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsolo.nyc\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Flying Solo<\/a><\/strong> is a unique retail concept founded in New York City that brings independent designers together under one shared storefront. Instead of traditional multi-brand retail, the designers themselves operate the store and interact directly with customers, creating a more personal relationship between creators and shoppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the brand began exploring international markets, Flying Solo turned to pop-up retail as a way to test expansion outside the United States. One of its first steps into Asia was a pop-up store in Hong Kong, introducing its collaborative retail concept to a new audience of fashion consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Temporary retail formats are frequently used by brands entering new markets because they allow companies to test demand and gather insights before committing to long-term retail investments. Many international brands begin by browsing available <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/search\/hong-kong\/retail\" class=\"ek-link\">pop-up shops in Hong Kong<\/a> to identify locations that match their target audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_New_York_Retail_Concept_to_Global_Expansion\"><\/span>From New York Retail Concept to Global Expansion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1815\" height=\"592\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FlyingSolo-5.png\" alt=\"Flying solo ran a pop up shop in Hong Kong\" class=\"wp-image-5127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FlyingSolo-5.png 1815w, https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FlyingSolo-5-300x98.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FlyingSolo-5-768x250.png 768w, https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FlyingSolo-5-1024x334.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FlyingSolo-5-810x264.png 810w, https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/FlyingSolo-5-1140x372.png 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1815px) 100vw, 1815px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Flying Solo launched in New York in 2016 with a mission to support independent designers who often struggle to access traditional retail channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The store functions as a collaborative retail space where designers showcase their own collections while also engaging directly with customers. This model allows emerging brands to build stronger relationships with shoppers while sharing the costs and responsibilities of running a store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the concept gained traction in New York, the founders began exploring opportunities to bring the platform to new markets around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>International pop-up stores became a natural step in this strategy, allowing Flying Solo to introduce its concept to global audiences while maintaining flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bringing_Independent_Designers_to_the_Asian_Market\"><\/span>Bringing Independent Designers to the Asian Market<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To launch its first pop-up in Hong Kong, Flying Solo curated a selection of designers from its wider network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of more than 70 designers involved with the brand, 11 were selected to participate in the Asia expansion. The group included Elena Rudenko, NOT, Halstenbach, Jasmine Chong, GBGH Jewelry, Iza by Silvia D\u2019Avila, Kasane, Solomeina, The Modern Tales, Spinoza, and Wynono.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together they presented a collection spanning jewelry, women\u2019s fashion, and eyewear. The curated selection introduced Hong Kong shoppers to a range of independent labels that emphasize craftsmanship, design, and limited production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pop-up format allowed customers to interact directly with designers, which remains a central part of the Flying Solo concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Elizabeth Solomeina, Co-Founder of Flying Solo, described the reaction from visitors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe response has been amazing. We are seeing that the people in Hong Kong really value interacting with the designers and appreciate all the work that goes into creating these products.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She added that the exclusivity of the collections also resonated with local shoppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThe idea that all our products are handcrafted unique products, that no one else will own, is especially appealing to our customers visiting the pop-up store.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Pop-Up_Stores_Work_for_International_Expansion\"><\/span>Why Pop-Up Stores Work for International Expansion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For brands entering a new market, choosing the right retail strategy is critical. Opening a permanent store in an unfamiliar city can involve significant financial and operational risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pop-up stores provide a more flexible alternative. They allow brands to introduce their concept, evaluate customer demand, and refine their approach before committing to a long-term presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flying Solo had already experimented with this strategy in Europe through a successful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/search\/paris\/retail\" class=\"ek-link\">pop-up activation in Paris<\/a>. The Hong Kong pop-up represented the next step in the brand\u2019s global expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Elizabeth Solomeina:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cWe are figuring out what works in the Hong Kong market, and with this pop-up we found out that a concept like ours is needed here.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Temporary retail spaces can therefore act as a market research tool, giving brands direct insight into customer preferences in different regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies planning international activations often explore short-term retail opportunities through platforms that specialize in flexible space listings, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/project\/pop-up-store-rental\">pop-up store rental opportunities<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_the_Right_Location_in_Hong_Kong\"><\/span>Finding the Right Location in Hong Kong<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For Flying Solo, selecting the right neighborhood in Hong Kong was an essential part of the launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\" class=\"ek-link\">Using Storefront\u2019s platform<\/a>, the brand was able to find a retail location surrounded by fashion and lifestyle brands with similar price points. Positioning the pop-up store in the right environment ensured that it reached the type of customers most likely to appreciate independent designer collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Launching in a high-profile retail district also helped attract both local shoppers and international visitors interested in discovering new fashion brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Testing_New_Markets_Through_Temporary_Retail\"><\/span>Testing New Markets Through Temporary Retail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Flying Solo views pop-up stores as a long-term component of its expansion strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than opening permanent locations immediately, the brand prefers to explore markets through temporary activations that allow designers to meet customers, gather feedback, and understand regional preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These experiences help the company refine its approach while building awareness in new cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on the success of its international activations, Flying Solo expects to continue expanding through additional pop-up stores in global fashion markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For emerging designers and collaborative retail concepts, temporary retail spaces provide a powerful way to reach new audiences while maintaining flexibility during international growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flying Solo brought its New York designer collective to Asia with a pop-up store in Hong Kong. Discover how the brand uses temporary retail to test international markets and connect designers with new audiences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":5125,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"qubely_global_settings":"","qubely_interactions":"","content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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Kerbrat","author_link":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/author\/ak\/"},"qubely_comment":0,"qubely_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/category\/success-stories\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Success Stories<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/category\/success-stories-hong-kong\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Success Stories Hong Kong<\/a>","qubely_excerpt":"Flying Solo brought its New York designer collective to Asia with a pop-up store in Hong Kong. Discover how the brand uses temporary retail to test international markets and connect designers with new audiences.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5118"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5118\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thestorefront.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}