Pop-up shops
Pop-up shops can help small businesses to grow. Discover how to get started and the costs to consider.
What’s a pop-up shop?
A pop-up shop is a temporary store. It uses a vacant space in a retail precinct or shopping area.
If you own an online or home-based business, a pop-up shop could help you take things to the next level.
A pop-up shop might also be the answer if you own a space and need a tenant.
Pop-up shops support the local business community by attracting new interest to the area. They also show how vacant shops can be used effectively.
I’m seeking a pop-up space
If you have an established small business and loyal customers, a pop-up shop offers great opportunities. It can help showcase your products and strengthen your brand.
How to find a vacant shop
A great place to start is to visit websites that focus on short-term leasing opportunities, such as:
You can also search for vacant shops on standard commercial property websites such as:
Sharing opportunities
A pop-up shop might be more achievable if you partner up with related businesses to share the opportunity.
Join Council’s Business in Brisbane Facebook Group to connect with other businesses. Stay updated on new opportunities as they arise.
Not ready for the commitment of a pop-up shop? There are other options. Consider collective multi-store arrangements such as:
Costs to consider for pop-up tenants
Before signing a pop-up shop lease, understand any additional expenses. Make sure you know what costs to factor in.
Insurance
Pop-up tenants usually need public liability insurance. This covers potential third-party claims for personal injury or property damage. This type of insurance does not usually cover employees or volunteers.
Other common insurances to consider taking out will depend on the activities being undertaken. For example:
- product liability insurance
- professional indemnity insurance
- workers’ compensation insurance
- contents insurance
- window insurance.
Some insurers now offer specific insurance policies for pop-up shops to provide a combination of the insurances that you need.
The Queensland Government provides resources that explain the different types of insurances.
Occupancy licence and tenancy costs
Pop-up tenants can expect to pay a rental fee and utilities as part of a pop-up agreement. Utilities may include electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi costs while you are in the premises.
Pop-up tenants may also be required to contribute to rates, which are often called ‘outgoings’. Property owners pay rates on their properties and traditionally pass this cost on to long-term tenants.
Council has created sample pop-up clauses to make the agreement process easier. You may wish to consider these examples.
Retail and marketing
Retail costs may include:
- shop fit-out – cleaning, painting, shelving/display furniture and visual merchandising
- point of sale – store payment options such as EFT facilities.
Our Shops that shine - Guide to visual merchandising provides ideas and tips to:
- attract customers to your store
- keep customers in-store longer
- boost sales
- build your brand recognition.
The Queensland Government provides a guide to effective shopfittings and creative retail displays.
You also need to consider how you are going to promote your pop-up shop. You can't rely solely on foot traffic.
If your business has a strong online following, you can encourage customers to visit you in person.
Marketing methods to consider include:
- using Google Business Profile to provide opening hours, contact information, website and social media links and photos
- promoting your pop-up shop through local Facebook community pages
- letterbox drop to surrounding communities
- paid online marketing such as Google Pay Per Click or Social Media Marketing.
I have a vacant shop to lease
A pop-up occupancy licence allows you to lease your property for the short-term. It offers temporary activation of the space while still marketing the property for a long-term tenant.
Consider listing the property on websites that advertise properties for short-term leasing, such as Pop Hub.
You can also join Council’s Business in Brisbane Facebook Group. Post about the pop-up opportunity to reach more businesses.
Sample pop-up occupancy clauses
These sample clauses support a short-term licence, where the tenant bears responsibility for the cost of utilities (but not outgoings).
You should consider the length of term of any pop-up occupancy licence carefully. The Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 generally applies to pop-up occupancy licence terms. It also covers rights to extend the licence for 6 months or more.
If you use the sample pop-up clauses as a guide, check they suit the shopfront letting. Make any necessary adaptations.
Council accepts no responsibility for use of, or reliance on, these sample clauses. If you use these clauses, ensure they are customised for your specific agreement. Include details such as:
- the licensor and licensee’s name
- the address of the licensed area and permitted use
- the rental fee
- the amount or rate or arrangement for utilities to be charged (as agreed between the property owner and the tenant)
- the amount of public liability insurance required of the licensee for the duration of the agreement
- any terms/conditions specific to your situation
- signature block for each party to sign.
Pop-up shop disclaimer
Council provides no warranty on the suitability, accuracy, or reliability of content or materials for pop-up shops. Council also makes no guarantees about fitness for purpose, effectiveness, benefits, or outcomes from these webpages and related documents.
