Ever since Vacant, the first company to develop the concept of pop-up retail (temporary retail shops) in 1999, pop-up stores have been big business for many corporate and largely independent retailers around the globe. The trend of opening a store with limited edition items for a short period of time, closing, (popping down) before moving to another location, has worked wonders for many niche brands. Consumers rush to purchase items knowing they only have from a weekend, to a few weeks, before the store closes for good. Collective groups like We Are Pop Up, are just a few companies that have honed in on this trend, even offering retail space for small to large business owners all over London.
Here, I have compiled five pop-up stores London you should definitely pop over to, this spring.
1. DEAL REAL LEGACY, Music, Fashion, Workshops
Deal Real, the legendary Hip Hop record store returns to its iconic home in Carnaby to celebrate the place where many of the new generation of hip hop stars, burst onto the scene.
The six week pop-up launches on Record Store Day Saturday 18 April 2015 at 14 Newburgh Street, Carnaby. It will showcase the cream of London's undiscovered and unrepresented talent, including emerging visual artists, musicians and fashion designers. A photo-gallery will depict some of the memorable moments and in store performances, along with archive footage from a range of British artists including Example, Professor Green and Mr Hudson, as well as internationally renowned artists Kanye West, Will I Am, Akon, Mos Def and John Legend
Deal Real Legacy will also curate a host of free one-off in store signings, performances and workshops.Pop-up date: Sat 18 April 2015-Sat 6 June 2015
Pop-up place: 14 Newburgh St, London W1F2. OH MY DOG, Food
Oh My Dog, the hotdogs connoisseurs, are taking over the Kitchen at The Duke's Head, Highgate. Their month-long residency, will see them bring out specials as well as their popular hotdog toppings. Imagine, Hotdogs and Heineken. perfect combo!
Pop-up date: Weds 1st to end of April 2015. Monday - Sunday, 12 noon til 10pmPop-up place: The Duke's Head, 16 Highgate High St, London N6 5JG3. STICKY BEAKS, Food
Sticky Beaks, the eatery specialising in slow-roasted meats, pops up for 1 night at
Craving Coffee in N15 on 10 April 2015. 8-hour cooked pork in delicious wraps will fill your stomach, yet leave you wanting to go back for second helpings. For one night only.Pop-up date: Friday 10 April 2015, 6pm - 11pm
Pop-up place: Craving Coffee, Gaunson House, Markfield Road, London N15 4QQ4. ART OF THE BRICK, Lego
The famous Lego art exhibition by Master of Lego building, Nathan Sawaya ends its run this Sunday 12th April 2015 at Truman Gallery, off Brick Lane (of course).
Since It's launch last year in September, it has already been given an extended run until spring 2015 due to popular demand.
The workmanship in each of the Lego sculptures displayed, is nothing less than amazing by former lawyer-turned-Lego-artist, Nathan Sawayer. A a Lego builder myself, it still fascinates me how intricate the artist can be with his plastic bricks. Go see it with, or without the kids, before they break it down!
Pop-up date: Now until Sun 12 April 2015Pop-up place: Old Truman Brewery, Ely's Walk, 25 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR
5. BOXPARK, Clothing
First opened in 2011 by founder and CEO Roger Wade, the refitted giant shipping container houses various smaller containers filled by popular, established and independent apparel brands. BOXPARK, due to pop down this year, has been the staple hub for Shoreditch creatives to visit for clothing, food stalls as well as music pop-up events.
BOXPARK recently announced they will be opening in East Croydon in time for summer 2016.Pop-up date: EverydayPop-up place: 2 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY