Pop-ups first appeared in Australia about 10 years ago as a result of so many traders wanting to test their market, see if their business model works, trial new products or concepts - all without having to commit to long-term retail rents that can kill a business over time in a world where so much changes so fast. They're a great idea - and offer some of the benefits of the markets - but potentially with other costs and time issues you need to be aware of before making a decision.
Let's look at a a pop-up store. They tend to be located in retail spaces that have already failed other businesses before you arrived. Many are in poor locations with landlords desperate to get some rent in over nothing at all. This is a dangerous first step for any trader. It may require significant efforts by you to pull traffic, get seen, and focus on the right customers - all of which could actually set up up for failure before you begin.
So how do you choose whether to go pop-up in a retail space, or stall at the markets? Well among many factors, here are three that we would suggest you consider before making a decision.
A stall at the markets is easy to set up - so you can focus on selling. Paddy’s is in the business of making trading as simple as possible. We pride ourselves on minimal bureaucracy. We know you don’t need (or want) any more red tape than is absolutely necessary. Our years of experience and success has meant that we have streamlined the process for our traders, so they can set up a stall and start making money quickly when selling at Paddy’s.
You also have a team of experienced people on your side who are invested in your success - and no land-lord looking at you as simply a rent feeder. That means we can help you you with your merchandising strategy, location at the markets and other assistance drawing on our decades of experience. This is as opposed to being out on your own in a pop-up store.
Plus, we know that as a small business owner you are juggling priorities all the time. From the accounts, to stock, from your social channel to your supplier arrangements. So we look after the power, cables, insurance, security, and lots of other things you haven't even considered yet - as opposed to it being all on you if you go it alone in a pop-up store.
For us, it is about giving you a retail distribution channel that is simple to set up, get in, sell heaps, and get out.
We deliver the foot traffic - so you can focus on selling. Our extensive advertising and promotions program, along with our trusted brand name, attracts over 25,000 customers every day to the markets (depending on which market place you choose). That is a walk-up start for any trader at the markets and a significant leg-up into the commercial world of trading that you don't have to worry about.
On the other hand, your pop-up store will be in a potentially failed retail location - and rely on YOU and only YOU to get the traffic past your store, into your store, and buying from your store. That can be a lot of money and time down the drain.
We trust that a stall at Paddy’s gives you the best chance of retail success by reaching customers who are there to buy. You can tap this advantage by the day or by the month - whatever you want. The commitment is minimal to give you the best chance of trading successfully - without the worry that comes with longer term commitments (that even pop-stores demand). This is a great way... an affordable way... of getting started that doesn’t lock you in.
For a full price list to get started, click here to talk to one of our account managers.