Retail pop-up shops are gaining traction in Wagga with business owners saying it increases exposure and can fill voids in the current shopping experience.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The regional retail industry, particularly bricks and mortar businesses, is struggling to compete with the online space which has resulted in vacant shopfronts throughout the city.
Tumut and online boutique clothing store Mellie & Me has opened its first pop-up shop in the Marketplace for two weeks.
"We chose to do a pop-up shop because a lot of our clients are already Wagga based," said co-owner Donna Reeves.
"It's about getting yourself out there and it was just another way of bringing Mellie & Me out into the public eye.
"Once people know you're around, they then go searching for you online and it's so much easier."
Mrs Reeves said pop-ups are a viable option for businesses in the struggling retail climate.
"The retail industry is certainly struggling, particularly in rural NSW and I think it's been particularly hard due to the drought," she said.
"The pop-up is a great way for you to get your stock out there and talk to people.
"It's low cost, but it's high energy; you're balancing a lot, it takes a lot of man power to unpack and pack a store in a few days, but it's well worth it."
Mrs Reeves said retail pop-ups are starting to make their mark in regional areas and can fill vacant premises.
"Our first pop-up experience has been great and I know Wagga City Council and businesses are proactive in making sure the retail centre remains a very popular retail centre in the Riverina region," she said.
"Having little pop-ups coming occasionally sparks the retail.
"It's a bit like having Lost Lanes, it's just a different version and puts a bit of excitement back."
Get Knotted business owner Bryce Hagen, 15, uses the River and Wren markets as a way of increasing traffic to his online shop.
"I started Get Knotted when I was 13 years old and I make handmade, unique bow ties and I've expanded my business into an online shop over the two years," Bryce said.
"River and Wren is good for me as it's local, but I also will set up a stall at markets outside of Wagga, including in Beechworth, Albury and Canberra.
"I like selling my products in a market stall as it creates a boost for my website and it allows me to hand out my card, which boosts my online sales."
Bryce is a student at Kooringal High School and said market stalls and pop-ups are a viable option at the moment compared to a shopfront.
Wagga Business Chamber board member and Borambola Wines director Tim McMullen said pop-up retailers can have a positive presence by filling vacant premises.
"It's sad to walk down the street and see many stores that have closed," Mr McMullen said.
"Rather than having empty stores, pop-ups can provide an opportunity for people to put their toe in the water and it's a cost-effective way to see how it goes.
"Then hopefully, it can lead into a situation where they've got a full-time lease or can purchase a building."
While retail pop-ups are just entering Wagga, food vans and stalls have been key features of local events.
Mr McMullen said these hospitality pop-ups have been a great way for Borambola Wines to expand its offerings to the wider community.