Cape Town - In line with global trends, the concept of
instant retail or pop-up stores have hit the streets of Cape Town, and are
proving to be a key tool in the success of local businesses.
Pop-ups occupy temporary spaces from just one day to a few
months at a time, offering various products or services, such as clothing or
home décor and artifacts.
“It’s no surprise that pop-up shops are taking off. The
novelty and freshness of the store attracts customers. But the format also
allows businesses who want to test the waters, and evaluate the appropriateness
of a location.
"Pop-up shops are a great way for businesses to experience Cape
Town’s CBD as a thriving and affordable retail location,” said Rob Kane, chairperson of the Cape
Town Central City Improvement District (CCID).
“The upside obviously extends to property owners and
landlords, who through the pop-up store can temporarily fill their vacant
retail spaces until they are formalising new leases for incoming tenants.
"But
the benefits of having a property occupied are so much broader than just the
rental income. A busy, occupied retail space attracts other potential tenants,”
added Kane.
The Fringe Arts is a local art store that has built its
success on the pop-up shop concept.
“Our first pop-up took place in the Cape Town City Hall as
part of the Spier Contemporary.
"Two years and six pop-up shops later we opened our first
permanent store on Kloof Street, where we display and sell the creations from
100 local artists and designers," said Thessa Bos, co-owner of The Fringe
Arts.
“Pop-ups is a great way to try different locations and build
a market. We eventually decided to settle in the CBD because we love the hustle
and bustle and the neighbourhoodly atmosphere, which fits our concept so well.
"We are about to open our second permanent shop, but the pop-up concept lies close
to our hearts and we plan to leverage this trend for more success in the
future,” added Bos.
Kane says the format works for both small and large
businesses.
“Pop-up shops create a unique environment and experience,
engaging their consumer and creating consumer exposure.
"Large companies create
pop-up shops as part of their campaigns, while smaller companies opt for pop-up
shops to create awareness for their brand,” concludes Kane.
British multinational retailer Topshop recently partnered
with the Cape Town boutique Unknown Union o launch a pop-up shop and get a
sense of the South African market.
Cape Town’s CBD is one of the best CBDs in South Africa and
is a clean, safe and socially caring hub where businesses can thrive.
The City
of Cape Town has become a walking CBD, where people based in the CBD during the
day walk to meetings, walk around the city during their lunch break, or walk to
and from the public transport system.
This makes it very conducive for pop-up
shops to thrive due to high foot traffic at any given time in the CBD.
- Fin24
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