From Halloween stuff to supplies for the holidays, across the country “pop-up stores” are, well, popping up everywhere. They’re those retail outlets that catch your eye as you drive by a strip mall or spot them in that neighborhood place that’s been vacant forever and you think, “Wait… That wasn’t there yesterday!” They usually open with little fanfare.
“Retail pops are here to stay and will continue to grow,” says real estate expert Aron Susman. IBISWorld found 2,380 pop-up shops in the U.S. in 2013, (68.1% of which were Halloween-themed), up from 2,043 three years earlier. Susman says pop up’s are a win-win for retailers and local economies. “They are a good way to test a product, test a location, and establish brand awareness. It is great for landlords, as space is perishable and if it is not used this month, it is lost forever. Pop Up stores help fill the gap between long term leases.”
Pop up stores
Shoppers told us when they think about “pop up stores” unconventional shopping follows. Katherine Bennett from Massachusetts describes her recent trip to a Halloween pop up shop. “There was no modesty. People were getting nearly naked in the aisles, trying costumes on and the owners seemed far more open to bartering. It’s like a crazed outdoor market.”
Iowan Wade Wagner says they’re a big deal in his hood. “The store uses girls dressed in costumes out waving at traffic to attract attention. Two of the stores are located on the busiest roads in Iowa. They have lots of neat stuff for Halloween. I may have to get some Elvis glasses and a wig myself! “
Shopper Skye Schulte relies on their post holiday sales. “I LOVE Halloween pop-up stores. Especially the few days AFTER Halloween when you can get anything that’s left for a steal!”
But let’s face it, these stores make no secret about what their business model is: Here today, gone tomorrow. So how can you make sure you don’t get popped in the wallet?
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau recommends you check out the company. “Many Halloween-themed stores take advantage of short-term leases, setting up shop in vacant space for just a few weeks. Businesses will also change their name from year to year as a way of hiding a poor track record. If the company is not listed, ask employees how long the store will continue to operate and if they will accept returns after the holiday. If they don’t, make sure the item is exactly what you want and understand you’ll be stuck with the purchase if something were to happen.”
It’s easy to do a quick bit of research on a business online, even from your smartphone if you’re sitting in a strip mall parking lot. Just try Googling the name of the store, and then try adding the word “complaints” in the search. You’ll be surprised what comes up.
Consumer and money saving expert, Andrea Woroch has these tips:
1. Ask about return policies:
The last thing you want to do is buy a product or gift that you can’t return. If the popup store does accept returns, ask if they offer store credit or full refund. Store credit may be useless if they are no longer around to use it!
2. Use a credit card:
Your credit card may offer purchase protection in case the pop up kiosk or store shuts down before you get a chance to ask for a refund or if you miss the deadline to return.
3. Compare prices:
The pop up store may sell the same goods as other retailers, so always make sure to compare prices. You may be able to find the same or similar good for less at a department store. However, those that sell unique goods will be harder to compare.
4. Look for coupons:
Though most pop up stores don’t offer coupons, there are the select ones that do so it’s always wise to ask or do a quick search online or on your phone to see if any are available. For instance, one popular Halloween pop up store offers a 25% off coupon via the free Coupon Sherpa mobile coupon app or you can print the coupon from the website.
5. Beware of imitations:
Know your goods and don’t buy anything that you aren’t familiar with. An ex-boyfriend of mine bought a gaming console that claimed to offer Nintendo video games. He quickly realized it was knock off games in very poor quality. Of course, the vendor wouldn’t accept a return and shortly after several complaints, shut down his store and took off!
Have you found great deals at a pop-up? Or had shopping disasters? Let us know, and oh, mom of twins April Robinson has one last bit of advice, “Do not bring kids… It’s worse than a candy store, they want ALL the little nick-nacks and there are a lot!”
