Sustainable Pop-Up Shop Flop: What Was That?
Disclaimer:
Everything below is a mix of what I observed and heard during the event. The goal isn’t to pinpoint "who exactly said what," but to share (usually) an outsider's view and overall perspective on these industries. I’m not here to act as a definitive firsthand source—readers should do their own research. I hope this inspires you to attend events, explore new industries, and hear what leaders are presenting. These notes combine my observations with thoughts on how things could run smoother and how ideas connect (IMO). I’m not an expert, you know? Just hanging out in the room with them. Enjoy!Topics Covered: Pop-Up Shop, Temporary Store, Restoring Commerical Shopping, Downtown City Revival, Essentials of Hosting, Terrible Event Strategy, Luxury Shopping
Nothing to do? Let’s see what’s going on downtown - oh!! A new shop on first avenue? The description was a little fuzzy, but they promised a DJ, some activities, and a brand new store in the heart of the city. For me, I’m all about the city, all about economics, industry, and initiation! So I was excited to head downtown and see how we celebrate this clothing store’s launch! But… spoiler alert: I’ve never spent less time at an event in my life!! I think it was justified. More below.
Why Attend? There is SO MUCH REAL ESTATE SPACE available downtown. I feel like it’s all sitting there, waiting for someone to fill it up. So, I, myself, constantly feel the urge to figure out something to put downtown - a store or something. I want to open businesses, you know? But in the meantime, it’s good to see how others are launching. It makes me think of the event I went to about marketing… your launch tells you how your business will do. So, I wanted to learn from others, building up experience for my own potential launch one day.
Overall Event Ratings: Venue (2/5), Food (1/5), Speaker Content (1/5), Networking (1/5), Likeliness to Return (2.5/5)… (more at the end)
PHOTO COLLAGE AND COMMENTARY
Notes From the Event
Disclaimer: As I said, this was the shortest time I’ve ever spent at an event. So below I’ll just put some notes on my expeirence and the key things that were missing from this event. There are a number of things they could have done to make the experience better for guests and made it more natural to hang out longer. With the setup they had, it was effortless (and idea IMO) to be in and out of their event within a minute or two. No accountability or warmth.
Arrival by Street:
It’s a fun and easy location to get to. Right in the heart of the city, the subway station (literail station if you’re local) drops you off just a few blocks from where you’re trying to go. This location is near a lot of the great parts of the city, so it’s a really beautiful walk, near everything!
Getting closer, you can see the store on the right and a little stand out from that says “Seattle Restored”. That honestly made me a little intimated, only cause I attended another “Seattle Restored” event last week and the taste of it wasn’t quite my style. It’s like seeing a movie where you appreciate the work that went into it, but you’re just not into scary movies - you know? You just can’t get into it. I felt the same, the last time I went to one of their events, I felt the art they were showing off was consistently negative, sad, ‘misunderstood’. YOu know? A way to channel emotions, but also just show them off.
In these times of mental health crisis, I think of “you are what you eat” - “you are what you surround yourself with”—- I think now more than ever, people need reminders of hope, the big picture, reminders of values and virtues.
Reinforcing and building a brand around pain, struggles, misunderstood - it traps you. So, I want to see art and creations that push people to find happiness a bit more and purpose and hope and efficiently.
It makes me think of my daughter, when she whines so much, I’ll tell her, “say that in a nice voice” or “say that nicely” - but she’s usually not able, Why? Cause the mental state she is in, she kinda forgets how it sounds to ASK things nicely. Instead, I have to model it for her and then she copies me instantly. Easy.
My point is, sometimes people tell you, “STOP CRYING!” “RELAX!” “CALM DOWN” -but then you are so caught up in those emotions that you can’t quite remember how it feels to do those things - and the benefits of ‘stopping crying’ cause right now crying feels good… you know?
Notice it the next time you’re sad or someone is behaving in a way they want them to change. It’s hard to direct someone to change.
So, I think if we have more art around us that models what we want to see (not what we’re suffering with) we can make it a reality.
A blend of all forms of art is good, but lately in this city, I’m seeing a lack of art that excites and inspires me… which excites and inspires me to fill the gap :)
So anyway, back to this, I thought to myself, a little hesitantly, “alright… let’s see what else Seatle is Restoring” - since the last two locations I saw on my last “Seattle Restored” tour had strong themes to them that didn’t quite jive with my style.
From the outside, it was hard to tell if there was an event going on till you walked up much closer. Besides that sign with their advertisement next to it, there wasn’t much celebratory. Though, as you walked up closer, you could hear the funky DJ.
ARRIVAL INSIDE
My initial reaction was mild/neutral. It was like an all concrete room with a cash register to my left, a bunch of stuff for sale all over, a DJ also the left, some seating behind them, and then in front and to the right was all clothing.
Let’s talk about the seating area by the dj. I wish I’d taken a picture. It was just covered with like random things on the chairs. Plastic. It was more of an “artistic seating area” than somewhere you could sit. And then the music was SO LOUD you’d not want to sit there
The music was crazy. It felt like stereotypical like from a 90’s or 2000’s runway fashion show, but cheesy. Like if the Austin Powers were DJ-ing though, or something hahah. Cuase it was just sorta sleezy sounding. The DJ was so, like… “hey, you come here often?” sounding music. IDK - not tasteful really and just sorta like “stereotypical boring house music” (and I like some house music, don’t get me wrong).
But I guess, the DJ was kinda strange. Didn’t add a lot or much personality in a good way. Just like your classic expected sorta stereotype out-of-touch dj. Cause it’s like, early evening… and i feel like this music should be playing at like, idk what time? In a hotel hallway or restaurant at 9:30pm or something.
So, I’m a big music fan, but wasn’t digging this music at all, so I started just scoping out the scene. Since this was advertised as a big party and launch event, I was thinking they’d probably have snacks.
Unfortunately it was only drinks. A big serve-yourself-white cooler in the middle of the floor. Like ‘gameday tailgating’ style. hahah. Just a cooler tossed on the floor.
There were many people around that area all drinking wine.
I don’t drink - and the NA options weren’t advertised, so I kept myself out of that activitiy.
Without drinks, snacks, a place to sit, or peaceful sounds in the air… I decided to pay attention to the clothes: the stars of the show.
The first thing I noted is they’re all SUPER PASTEL. RED ALERT: PASTEL THEORY EMBRACED?
The pastel theory i heard of online, how all big brands (and kinda the world) is turning more and more pastel, eventually NO COLORS. At first when you hear of it, it sounds crazy, but the more you look around, its happening. Especially when you look at images from the past.
So, I see this company being so supported with their popup, restoring Seattle, but my alarm bells are going off: OF COURSE THEY’RE SUPPORTING THIS COMPANY!!! ITS FEEDING INTO THE PASTEL THEORY!! LOL
Not trying to be too conspiratorial, but I couldn’t help but notice. All the clothes were super pastel - AND really reminded me of the fashion I wanted to embrace 4 or 5 years ago.
Four or five years ago, right at the start of covid, I was way ahead of everyone fashion-wise hahaha. Cause I saw covid coming months ahead of the USA, all of my students (i was tutoring) at the time were in China, so they were all locked in their houses with their families for months. It was wild to watch and wait.
So by the time covid got here, I knew exactly what to expect - AND I wanted my fashion to match. I was searching for like “jumpsuits” and “bunker-style” clothing all the time hahaha. Just was feeling the fashion and drama.
So, it’s been funny to see that style is really emerging over the next few years. It wasn’t just me, jumpsuits and “fallout/bunker” style fashion has been so popular during/post-covid.
This store had that vibe. AGAIN!! I’m over it!! That was 5 years ago!!! Quit embracing depression, fallout, pastel theory hahah. I get it if random people do that, but i feel like “the city” should be the one reaching further down into the bucket and finding the light, inspiration, and hope we all need. Not reinforcing this pastel obsession and bunker life. hahaha.
So, I know I’m a hippocrate, cause I started that trend 5 years ago - but I want to see it end. The new trend is here: celebrate life!!!
Besides the clothing being really dull/unfortunate… reinforcing these stereotypes I’m noticing, guess the price of this stuff???
A pullover lite jacket: $249!!!
Earrings: $99
etc etc
I was like, “no way!” Who is buying these boring clothes for hundreds of dollars?
But I do have a theory that ‘people don’t know what to spend money on’ when they have it. I think its so true.
Money and payments and the whole exchange system is so broken in our society.
So many people have not enough money, then plenty have WAY TOO MUCH - so tehy spend it on crazy stuff trying to feel fulfilled - like insalely overpriced anything/everything… and its not even stuff that’s sensicle.
It makes sense to overspend on your nutrition or health, but nonstop on clothes or these things? That’s brainwashing. It’s convincing yourself this is worth it… but step back. It’s totally not.
Epecially, when the clothes are this boring haahha. Come on!! Just go to the thrift stores and save your money and use it for the community/good/investing in longevity. Not this stuff
I just know a lot of people who make so much money and then they just buy so many designer things.. they never go out of their way to cut costs or just enjoy cheap things. They’re disgusted by thrift stores, don’t even cook at home… etc. I know a few people like this. They’re not even ‘happier’ than people with less money, too… they just spend-spend-spend.
So, I think money is broken. We have it and don’t know how to use it - or just blow it. And without it, trapped.
So, all the clothes were uninspiring, muted its wearer… but this event was like a strange collective
Let’s pause here:
I don’t know what this event was. Cause it was lots of artists and creators, but also a pop-up? A lot to coordinate!!! Luckily, I wasn’t alone in that thought.
I overheard a lady who ws super tall and classy looking, she was talkign about how she can’t wait for this to be over so she can be done with this location.
DUHHH!H!!!!!! I CAN TELL!!!
Lady, whoever you are, I am now certain you’re in charge cause you’re using the word ‘location’ to describe this place.
I can also tell, from this event’s vibe how much no one really wants to be here, cause the vibe is terrible and this party is terrible!!!
Hearing her changed everything.
I realized this event was more “mandatory” than adored. And it made me EVEN MORE want to leave. The people in charge aren’t even happy. YOU CAN TELL. THE EVENT WAS LAME!!!
Next, I went to browse the accessories, everything as $100+ and then the artists were featured. They were like old enough to be my mom, talking about how their art was inspired by “creativity” etc. Gimme a break!!! Everyone’s art is hahah. That doesn’t justify your metal twists costing $200. Each earring is $100? Come on, grandma. Let’s calm down. (I know that’s really harsh, but again!!! What is this event? Who are we celebrating? Why are they chosen? Why are these prices so high? Who is buying this stuff?). I just felt like it was so strange and not competitive, unique, anything. I was so confused with this shop and event. So low-effort and basic.
BUT THEN!!! I did more looking around, by the register there were some pamplets. I went to look at them and there was a card announcing they have ANOTHER PARTY IN TWO WEEKS!! LOL. INVITATIONS FOR PEOPLE TO JOIN. It is their two-decade anniversary party.
So then I’m like “WHAT!?” thinking to myself. This company has been around 20 years??? No wonder they’re so cocky.
They’re an established brand, with a following, so people will come here and they love this brand and they’ll go to the other party, too 😂
While I was standing by the register, the woman working said ‘hi’ to me and then got back to her phone.
I was disappointed in this behavior, too. At a normal shopping experience: YES!!! I PREFER THIS. IGNORE ME.
But this is an event/party. You’re supposed to be talking to people, tell them what’s going on.
But no… ignored.
There was no greeter or anyone to talk to you and tell you what’s going on, your story, your mission.
Instead, the crowd inside was mostly a bit older than me, though a mix, mostly women with homemade haircuts (I cut my own hair, I have for 25+ years, so noticing) and I just was like, get me out of here.
These are not my people. Obsessed with $100-200 PASTEL BUNKER STYLE clothes… getting drunk off wine at 5:30pm. With this music??? No. Gotta go.
I have no interest in this loud music, expensive selection, nowhere to sit, no food, chemically/alcohol filled drinks!! I’m GONE!!! And I was out.
Oh yeah… I forgot to mention, all of the clothing is made from sustainable products or something 😂. So that’s good (for real though) at least. Kinda. 😂. But it costs like $100+ to sustain. So, idk.
Okay, see you next time! 😁
Overall Event Review and Ratings Further Elaborations:
Venue (2/5): boring interior, no where to sit, but really easy to get to and surrounded by awesome stuff.
Food (1/5): If you’re selling $100+ items, pretty sure you can afford a table, NA drinks, and maybe even a charcutteri board? Come on, now!
Speaker Content: (1/5) The value I got from this event was learning what NOT to do. It displayed things crystal clear of what to avoid in my own pop-up one day. Ex. have a greeter, quieter music, actual seating area…
Networking (1/5): not even the staff was approachable. It was cliquey and boring.
Likeliness To Return (2.5/5): I do love this kinda stuff, so I’d love to go to more business launches and be pleased hahaha. This EXACT COMPANY, no way. I’m not going to their next party. But I want to see more businesses launch - with success!!!
Until next time, I wish you the motivation and success to search for opportunities around your area. Search and explore: Who is out there giving talks? There are new things happening all of the time.
Find relatable or interesting topics you like and check them out! Maybe even something hosted at a cool venue, if there’s no other reason to go. Let’s see what you can learn and discover not too far from home. 😊
