A1 Retail Feature: Pop-up Retail Design Trends in 2026

Our Head of Strategy & Marketing, Mike Tristram, recently sat down with A1 Retail to share his thoughts on the future of retail, for their feature on 'Will 2026 see a rise in pop-up shops'?

Read the full feature interview below or via the link above.

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"Pop-up shops are the TikTok of retail – fast, viral, and fuelled by cultural relevance. They ignite brand energy, create shared moments, and turn passersby into participants. In the past year alone, we’ve seen a 40% surge in pop-up launches. But with that rise comes a catch: many are getting shorter, some lasting just 24–48 hours.

And with that brevity comes a risk. The “blink and you miss it” approach might generate a flurry of hype, but too often, its true impact lives only in a social media trail. In 2026, the pop-ups that truly stand out will be those reimagined for resonance, not just reach. The format is poised to evolve into something more emotionally lasting.

Pop-ups have never been more aligned with how consumers want to engage with brands – but success now lies in depth, not just visibility. Here’s how:

• Think chapters, not content: Pop-ups should unfold like a story – across time, neighbourhoods, or even cities. Create an evolving experience that draws audiences back, as we did with a city-wide treasure hunt for Hermès – each activation part of a larger, unfolding narrative.
• Blend fantasy with familiarity: The most effective experiences feel both fresh and familiar. Surprise is essential, but so is brand clarity. Jellycat excels at this, while American Eagle’s Las Vegas ‘bling bar’ offered a playful five seconds of fame, dialled up with the brand’s personality.
• Co-create with community: The next-gen pop-up is co-authored. Collaborate with local artists, superfans, and creators to ensure each iteration feels grounded in its cultural setting. Our H&M Williamsburg residency pop-up was shaped with and for the neighbourhood – a two-way dialogue, not a top-down concept.
• Extend the lifecycle: One-off builds create excitement – and waste. Tomorrow’s best pop-ups will be modular, mobile, and designed for reuse. Touring formats don’t just cut waste; they scale impact, allowing a single idea to live on across cities and audiences.

As Head of Strategy for a global retail experience design agency, I’m energised by the creativity pop-ups unlock. But to thrive in 2026 pop-ups must be designed for memorability as much as shareability. The goal isn’t just visibility – it’s creating something unforgettable."