Pop-Up Shops Extending Leases

By now we probably have all heard of the new trend in shopping: pop-up shops. Originally conceptualized to be non-permanent shops, some pop-up venues are extended their leases indicating they plan to stay longer than anticipated.

We’ve seen pop-up shops literally pop up everywhere, and this holiday season retailer’s short stints at various locations seemed to be all the rage. But now some reports are indicating that a few of these intended-to-be temporary set-ups are actually extending their leases and getting comfortable.

In SoHo, one upscale menswear fashion house, Kai D., which was launched just nine months ago, had originally planned to set up camp at their pop-up shop just during the holiday season, but after opening their 375-square-foot store no more than a month ago, the retailer was able to extend his lease for additional 13 months as of December 1. Kai D., who also sells at Neiman Marcus, retails “utility-inspired clothing” ranging in price from $65 to $700 and Aaron Odle, a design representative, says, “It’s always been a dream to have our own shop. You really need to be in a space to test it out, and we’ve decided that staying is the right thing to do.”

Kai D. isn’t alone in this new extended stay trend. A string of retailers are converting their pop-ups into more permanent shops as landlords apparently become more desperate to fill vacant spaces. The Limited is another trendy apparel company that has had a change of heart. Originally signing on for a four-day shop in SoHo, the brand extended its lease through the end of the holidays. Some say that Limited, a company that has not sold in the city since 1999, is even considering a permanent Manhattan location after the holidays.

And the list of new pop-up shops, short term and potentially long term, seems to be endless. The Barber’s Daughter is reportedly leasing space for a few days to sell their new jewelry line from Alicia Keys, and eBay is also planning on setting up temporary shop for its second-hand wares.

Via: Crain’s New York Business