Providing a cost effective way to test out markets and products, generate hype and boost revenue, pop up retailing can do wonders for a business, not simply big box or architect brands. Ecommerce sites in particular should consider popping up into the physical retail world as an approach to drive awareness, engagement and, eventually, sales.

Interested in giving your online store the edge it needs to stay relevant and profitable? Listed below are 4 different ways opening a pop up store can enhance your Ecommerce business.

Brand awareness

The number of online retailers is growing at an aggressive pace, the battle for online consumers is intensifying and competition is at an all-time high. Popping up in a physical space can draw attention of any person who passes by, not simply those who you`re targeting with your online marketing efforts. Another, temporary store in a familiar location produces interest, and on if you leverage this newfound consumer interest by setting up your pop up shop in a creative way, you`re certain to lure in customers who maybe would have never come into contact with your business or brand at all.

The power of novelty and creativity associated with your temporary retail space is just reinforced by the in-person experience customers get by interacting with you, your staff and your products. A memorable, positive experience strengths brand loyalty, which eventually drives repeat business over the long run.

Customer engagement

Online shopping is convenient — all it takes is a few clicks and, before you know it, your product is on its way to you. However, there`s a lot to be said about interacting with an item in person.

Whether you sell apparel, jewelry, technology, or beauty products, giving an in-person experience offers you a chance to educate customers about your product offering. They can try things on, test them out and ask any questions that come in mind. This strengthens the desire to buy — a behaviour that is a lot harder to solicit in the digital world.

Allowing potential customers an opportunity to connect with your brand, business and products in an offline domain should incite a positive shopping experience in case you`re doing it the right way. Remember, pop up stores boost loyalty and motivate customers to visit your online store once you`ve packed up and come back to the online retail spectrum.

Sales channel exploration

Everybody`s abuzz about omnichannel retailing. Brick and mortars are increasing their Ecommerce and Mcommerce game, so what are your plans as an online business owner?

A study conducted by Accenture highlights the fact that despite the online retail craze, most customers tend to browse online, and then buy in-store — an important fact to consider in case you`re exclusively operating in an online environment.

Pop up stores are a low risk, cost effective way for testing the waters of the physical retail world. For one, their temporary nature means there`s no need to focus on a lengthy or expensive lease. The way that they tend to be smaller in size than the average brick and mortar space and also keeps costs at minimum. Also, if you use an Ecommerce platform that integrates with a retail EPOS system, managing inventory, pricing and customer data is easy.

Increased sales

Call it a "FOMO" or a "here today, gone tomorrow" effect, but the ephemerality of pop up stores does something amazing on the average consumer`s mind. Their novelty and the sense of urgency that their temporary presence triggers have proven to get customers to whip out their wallets quickly. Consider keeping an iPad or two available to allow customers to see your full product assortment and place online orders at your temporary retail space.

Regardless of whether you goal is to boost exposure, educate or interact with customers, explore new revenue channels or simply move excess stock, pop-ups have consistently proven to help Ecommerce businesses grow their bottom line. In spite of the fact that they involve quite a bit of logistical planning and man power, pop-ups are considered an affordable, low risk solution and could be exactly what your Ecommerce business needs to stay aware of, or outperform the competition.