FAQ's | Shop Perisa

FAQ's

FAQ’s

What is Shop Perisa - The Home of Indie Brands?

Shop Perisa is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of small businesses. We empower these businesses to thrive by providing them access to retail spaces that might otherwise be unavailable to them, whether it's due to limited financial backing, time constraints from other commitments, or perhaps uncertainty about where to begin.

Our mission is to support small business owners by enabling them to showcase and sell their products at a small cost, eliminating the need for substantial investments in individual kiosks. Renting a space can be excellent for those looking to test their products, explore marketing opportunities, increase exposure, build customer trust, and, of course, generate sales if the products prove to be suitable for the space.

We want to build a community that cheers for local businesses. We think that being consistent within a shopping centre will help customers see and value the products from small businesses.

How does Shop Perisa differ from other pop-ups?

Shop Perisa stands out from typical one-time pop-up events and from the conventional market setting. Unlike other pop-ups, we operate with a distinct approach, catering specifically to business owners committed to establishing a lasting presence in the retail environment. Our platform is designed for those who seek more than just a temporary showcase; it's a stepping stone for entrepreneurs eager to firmly establish themselves in the world of retail.

What's the difference between a market setting and a retail setting?

Traditional markets and retail-type markets / kiosks differ in several aspects:

1. Setting:

Markets: Typically held in open spaces, markets are often outdoors or in designated marketplaces.

Retail Kiosks: Positioned within shopping centres or specific retail environments, kiosks are enclosed, providing a more controlled setting.

2. Duration:

Markets: Often set up for shorter durations, such as weekly or seasonal markets.

Retail Kiosks: Tend to have longer-term placements within shopping centres, allowing for a more extended retail presence.

3. Promotion and Advertising:

Markets: Vendors at markets may need to actively promote their presence to attract customers.

Retail Kiosks: Benefit from the foot traffic within shopping centres, where customers are already present for shopping.

4. Atmosphere:

Markets: Tend to have a bustling and lively atmosphere, with vendors engaging directly with customers.

Retail Kiosks: Operate within the controlled environment of a shopping centre, where the atmosphere is often more structured.

5. Operational Regulations:

Markets: May have different regulatory considerations depending on the location and type of market.

Retail Kiosks: Operate within the rules and regulations set by the shopping centre or retail environment.

6. Customer Base:

Markets: Attract a diverse range of customers, including local residents and visitors.

Retail Kiosks: Engage with customers who are already in the shopping centre for their retail needs.

It's important you are aware of this information before making a booking or engaging in trading with us.

How does it work?

Start by booking either a 7-day, 4-day or 3-day slot with us, and if you find the location aligns well with your products, you have the flexibility to continue booking with us. Many of our long-term clients have been with us for years, and we are dedicated to providing the necessary support for them to progress to the next stage, whether it be opening their own shop or kiosk.

Is it right for my brand?

While we can't guarantee the perfect fit for your brand before you book, each brand is unique, possessing its own distinct appeal. For instance, one jewellery brand might perform differently from another. It's crucial not to take this personally; variations could be influenced by the specific type of jewellery, the approach to selling it and so on. At Shop Perisa, we empower you to test the waters. If the location doesn't meet your expectations by the end of your pop-up, don't be disheartened. Use it as a learning experience and if you want you could always consider trying different locations or retail spots to discover what works best for your brand.

Will you promote and advertise the pop-up?

We don't guarantee promotion for our pop-ups. Occasionally, we reach out to shopping centres to request promotion on their websites or engage with social media influencers. The majority of our budget is dedicated to setting up stalls, creating graphics, managing staff, and ensuring the seamless organisation of pop-ups for our traders. Our focus is on providing a consistent and supportive platform for your business. We encourage all businesses to take an active role in promoting their own stalls and booking dates. Your proactive involvement in spreading the word about your presence with us enhances the overall visibility and success of your venture.

It's important to grasp that Shop Perisa is not a brief, one-time event lasting a few days, and as such, we don't allocate budget for promotion or advertising. This information is communicated at the time of booking, on the website, in the stallholders agreement, and in the welcome pack. We strongly urge all traders to promote their own pop-up space as they would with their own individual kiosk.

Will you have sign boards to direct people to the stalls?

Unfortunately, due to significant differences between retail spaces and other marketplaces or trader spaces, the shopping centres prohibit the inclusion of brand signage to guide people to the pop-up. This restriction is in place for health and safety reasons. You'll observe that no other kiosk within the shopping centre has this option. Occasionally, you might find a sign, but this is typically managed by the shopping centre itself.

Why are your pop-ups longer than usual pop-ups?

Our pop-ups extend beyond the typical duration, as we aren't just a one-time event. Instead, we provide a continuous space for small businesses to test and showcase their products in diverse retail environments. Keep in mind that not every business may be the perfect fit for the location, but this is an excellent opportunity to test it out! If you find that it aligns well with your brand and you're ready to take the next step, reach out to us, and we'll connect you with the right person to secure your own kiosk or pop-up space! If you're not prepared for that just yet, no need to worry—you can continue working with us until you are ready, or for as long as you'd like!

Can I bring my own banners, lights, rail or any other furniture?

You won't be allowed to bring your own banners, lights, props, or any furniture. Keep in mind that trading within a retail environment differs significantly from other marketplaces. Adhering to rules and regulations is crucial. The restrictions on banners, lights, and personal furniture are in place due to health and safety regulations associated with retail spaces. Our aim is to facilitate a smooth process for you, and we're not here to unnecessarily restrict you. It's about ensuring a safe and compliant trading experience for everyone involved.

We recognise that it can be challenging for those new to retail environments to grasp the rules and regulations put in place by shopping centres. However, similar to other pop-ups, each venue has its specific set of rules that traders must adhere to.

Are we allowed to play music or make announcements within the shopping centre?

The restriction on playing music within the retail kiosk setting is typically in place for several reasons such as Operational Policies, Disturbance to Other Businesses and a Controlled Atmosphere.

Announcements are only made by the shopping centre for health and safety reasons, such as helping lost individuals. The shopping centre does not announce kiosk or shop activations.

Do you check the footfall of the location before booking?

Prior to securing the space, the Shop Perisa team thoroughly assesses the footfall and dwell time in the specific location. This involves numerous visits to the area, discussions with the centre management team, and utilising the footfall analytics. While we can make general observations about customer behaviour and engagement, directly assessing customers intentions of visiting and walking by the location presents privacy concerns and may not be practically feasible to attain for most shopping centres.

Why are some locations not within the main shopping area?

It's essential to understand that various shopping centres may have distinct sets of regulations. In the case of our Trafford Centre pop-up, it is not located within the main shopping centre area. This is due to the centre's policy, which restricts activations featuring multiple brands under one activation. Instead, the centre permits only one brand selling the same type of products. It's worth noting that this policy differs from Westfield's regulations.

However, during the booking process (via the website), we explicitly specify the location and provide pictures of the space. Despite The Trafford Centre location not being situated within the main shopping area, it consistently draws a significant number of visitors and maintains a higher footfall compared to our Westfield location.

We always recommend visiting the area before making a booking to gain a better understanding of the location, even though we provide all the details through the website.

We acknowledge that some individuals prefer to be positioned near the shopping centre area despite the high footfall within China Town. While we would love to be in that location, our Manchester pop-up has been advertised on the website within China Town. If there are any changes in the near future, we will update the location and advertise it through the website.

Can I book the full duration of the pop-up?

Yes, we encourage this if you feel the space has worked well for your brand. Get in touch with us if you prefer a long-term booking and we will provide a longer-term discount.

How much does it cost if I wanted to book my own kiosk within a shopping centre?

The typical cost of renting an individual kiosk within a shopping centre can fluctuate, ranging anywhere from £3,000 to £12,000 per week or per day, excluding VAT. Additional costs also include the kiosk itself, service charges, staff wages, graphics, decoration expenses, and more. To alleviate the financial burden and provide opportunities for small businesses without risking their savings, we have established partnerships with shopping centers. Through this collaboration, businesses can access these spaces by paying a small fee.

Can I get a refund if I don't make any sales or less sales than I expected?

Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds in the event that you do not sell as anticipated or achieve lower sales. Our service involves significant behind-the-scenes efforts to secure your retail space, organise the pop-up, provide storage, and furnish a stall with graphics, among other services. This commitment ensures that we can deliver a comprehensive and valuable experience, even if sales outcomes may vary for each trader.

Kindly bear in mind that our primary objective is to offer a service for your brand, allowing you to test the space and, ideally, make sales. Our approach differs from ticketed events where we actively promote attendance, as this wouldn't be financially viable for us due to our longer-term presence within shopping centres.

Do you offer 1-day slots?

We typically provide longer trading periods rather than offering 1-day slots. Our experience has shown that extended durations often yield more consistent and favorable results. Experienced traders know that sales can vary a lot day by day—selling just a few items one day and maybe 20 the next. Testing the space for just one day might not show its true potential because of these fluctuations.

That being said, we recognise that people may have other commitments, including full-time jobs. As a result, we make an effort to occasionally offer a few 1-day slots to accommodate varying schedules.

Why do I need to stay within 1 meter of my stall?

Many shopping centres have restrictions on distributing business cards, leaflets, and selling products beyond the designated kiosk space. Shop Perisa, like other kiosks, only covers the payment for the specific kiosk area. Consequently, all kiosks are typically required to stay within 1 meter of their designated space. While we acknowledge the desire to attract customers, venturing beyond this limit is not acceptable within a retail setting, even on quieter days.

Why do some locations have a 1 meter space inbetween each stall and 1 meter space in front?

This is primarily for health, safety, and fire safety reasons. Most shopping centers require a designated gap to ensure both customers and traders have ample space. These measures were carefully considered before the pop-up and have been implemented by the shopping centre management and Shop Perisa.

Will there be queues to my stall?

The possibility of queues at your stall is influenced by factors like the popularity of your products. Typically, significant queues to enter shops or kiosks in shopping centers are rare, unless there's a special promotional event or a celebrity appearance, for instance. To gain a better understanding of the retail market, observing other kiosks within the shopping centre can provide valuable insights.

What if customers are buying from other traders and not me?

If customers seem to be buying from other traders and not you, there are several strategies you can consider to increase your sales and attract more attention to your pop-up:

Observation and Adaptation: Take note of what successful traders are doing differently. Observe their interactions, displays, and any promotional tactics they might be using. Adapt and incorporate effective elements into your approach.
Engage with Customers: Initiate conversations with customers who pass by your pop-up. Ask open-ended questions about their preferences or needs, and tailor your product recommendations accordingly. Building a connection can make customers more likely to buy from you.
Promotions or Special Deals: Consider offering special promotions, discounts, or bundle deals to incentivise customers to choose your products. Limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency.
Eye-Catching Displays: Ensure that your products are displayed in an appealing and eye-catching manner. A well-designed and organised display can attract attention.
Interactive Demos or Samples: If applicable, provide demonstrations or samples of your products. Allowing customers to experience what you're offering can increase interest and lead to purchases.
Build Brand Awareness: Bring in a A1 stand to create awareness about your pop-up. Make sure your brand is visible and communicates a clear message about your products and story.
Social Media Promotion: Use social media to actively promote your pop-up and engage with potential customers. Share enticing visuals, behind-the-scenes content, and any special promotions.
Collaborate with Other Traders: Consider collaborating with other traders for joint promotions or events. Cross-promotion can help increase visibility and draw more customers to your pop-up.
Evaluate Your Pricing: Ensure that your pricing is competitive and reflects the value of your products. Consider adjusting prices or offering exclusive deals to make your products more attractive.
Customer Feedback: If possible, seek feedback from customers who visit your pop-up. Understanding their preferences and concerns can help you make adjustments to better meet their needs.

Remember that customer preferences can vary, and it might take time to build awareness and loyalty. Stay proactive, continuously assess and adjust your strategy, and be open to experimenting with different approaches to see what resonates best with your target audience.

I've tried selling in marketplaces, but it hasn't been successful for me. Retail, on the other hand, suits me better.

Selling in retail entails adherence to a set of rules and regulations; nonetheless, it offers numerous perks and, for the right brand, the potential for enhanced sales and revenue!

I've tried selling in retail but it hasn't been successful for me. Marketplaces, on the other hand, suits me better.

Markets can also prove to be more suitable for certain brands. Business is all about trial and error, finding the right method that generates the most sales for your brand. If you didn't perform well in a retail setting, it might simply be because it's not the right space for you at this moment.

I attempted to reserve my space through the website, but it appears that everything is sold out.

At times, the pop-up slots fill up very quickly, and you may not always secure a spot. Please feel free to book once the available dates are updated on the website.

I tried to reserve my space, but your website indicates that you are oversubscribed with my product.

Depending on the location and the daily stall availability, we aim to restrict the category of products, usually allowing no more than 2 or 3 bookings for the same product type. Even in cases where we permit 2 of the same category, we ensure that the items being sold are distinct from one another. Unfortunately, even if there are available spaces, if we are oversubscribed with your category of products, you may need to book in a different location or wait for the next set of dates to become available.

We recommend that you read the above points before you trade with us. Retail settings vary from marketplace settings. Failure to comprehend the above points might indicate that this environment may not be suitable for you.