NCET Biz Tips: I Run a Non-Profit – Would A Pop-Up Store Be Beneficial?

Peter Fishburn

There are three big areas of concern all non-profits have in common.  Finding ways to raise needed funds.  Communicating their message and mission to the public.  Finally, keeping people appraised of what they are doing and staying top of mind.  All of this is possible with very limited, if any, out of pocket expense by using a Pop-Up Store.

A properly set up Pop-Up Store will accomplish all three of these goals at the same time.  So, what is a Pop-Up Store and how will it accomplish the objectives mentioned above?  Simply put, the store is a website which pops up for a limited amount of time, two to three weeks.  Carefully selected logoed items are displayed which would be of interest to the targeted audience. The website link would be emailed to everyone who has an interest in the non-profit, requesting them to considering purchasing an item to support the program.  When people click on the Pop-Up Store, they will learn how the program is helping a need in the community.  By purchasing and using the logoed items, they will be reminded on a regular basis why they support the program and at the same time raise much needed funds.

Why is there little cost and minimal out of pocket expense?  The website is already created so there is no expense there.  The logoed items are not purchased until the store goes down and we know how many to purchase of each item.  This avoids having to purchase inventory before the event and have unsold items that may not be needed.  So, there is no upfront cost.  All shipping is included when the supporter purchases the items they want.  Again, no surprise expense.

There is a process for these Pop-Up Stores to be successful.  A large audience has to be contacted through social media and other means, creative design and a solid message needs to be developed,  correct selection of logoed items to offer, attractive pricing, and the proper follow up.  By using a template Pop-Up Store, the work is almost all done.

If you are wondering, these same stores can be used as company stores as well.  They can pop up for an employee reward event or be converted into a company store.

So, yes, a non-profit should consider a Pop-Up Store.  Working with a promotional professional would make the process easier. 

Peter Fishburn with Brown & Bigelow has been in the promotions industry for over 25 years.  He has  helped business with their branding, marketing, and special event projects through the use of promotional products and apparel to be top of mind with their clients.  pfishburn@brownandbigelow.com or 775-883-9428  peterfishburn.espwebsite.com

Peter is on the board of directors for NCET as Vice President of Tech Wednesday events. NCET is a member-supported nonprofit organization that helps people explore business and technology. (www.NCET.org)