using a pop up shop space

Here we are, this week in the favourite space of McGilps pop-up shop on Kempock Street in Gourock. We love it here and get great support from locals and followers alike. Here’s what we’ve learnt when using this pop-up space and others.

1. Get a feel for the space before booking. Visit when another artist is there and see were the light is and what the space looks like.
2. Ask other artists who have used the space recently – any tips they have for you? We found out from the last five artists who used this space, that the beginning of the week was quiet, that the weather makes a difference, that you could promote in certain local Facebook groups.
3. How do you book the space and do you need to pay a deposit?
4. Find out what you need or don’t – for example, we need to take to this pop-up a teatowel, drinks, a couple of mugs..
5. Find out what can be used outside on the pavement – McGilps has space for a sandwich board, and a planter for windmills and bollards for ribbons – you need something outside to catch people’s eye.
6. Establish what is needed inside – for example, McGilps has internet, and we need to take a speaker for music, and also take loo rolls, milk, and a hand towel. Also, establish whether you can write on the windows (and remove it later) or whether you can put pins in the walls or use blu-tac.
7. Find out if there is storage – you need to know if there is space for boxes – or if you sell clothes, is there a changing space?
8. Explore where to advertise locally – both online and physically. Also speak to the artist in the week before and ask them to give you a shout out. We also ask locals that visit to spread the word.
9. What times and days can you open – can you do evenings? Are folks around on the Sunday?
10. Is this a space that you can use for workshops or demos and is this something the local community would be interested in?