My First Pop-Up Shop Experience: Lessons from a Tough Day

This past weekend, I hosted my first pop-up shop for Roxas, my streetwear clothing line. I had high hopes, tons of energy, and some amazing designs on display. I imagined a day full of excitement, connecting with customers, and selling out by the end of the event. But the reality? It didn’t go quite as planned.

1. The Expectation vs. Reality

I spent weeks preparing, making sure every detail was perfect—from the setup and branding to the inventory and promotion. The vision in my head was clear: people would walk in, fall in love with my anime-inspired, sports-influenced designs, and walk out wearing my clothes. But when the day finally came, the foot traffic was slower than expected. People would stop by, check out the clothes, but most would walk away without making a purchase. By the end of the day, I had sold just a handful of items.

At first, it was disheartening. I questioned everything: Were my designs off? Was my price point wrong? Did I not promote enough? It’s tough when reality doesn’t match the dream you had. But after taking a step back and reflecting, I realized that this experience was a crucial steppingstone in my entrepreneurial journey.

2. Appreciating the Experience

Even though I didn’t sell much, I’m grateful for the experience. Hosting a pop-up shop wasn’t just about sales—it was about putting myself out there and connecting with people face-to-face. I had meaningful conversations with those who did stop by. I got feedback on my designs, heard about what people liked (and didn’t), and learned what potential customers are looking for. That kind of insight is priceless.

3. Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur

The event might not have gone as planned, but the lessons I took away will help me grow as an entrepreneur. I now realize the importance of understanding the market. I need to focus more on who my audience is and where they are. Maybe I need to rethink where I set up my next pop-up or adjust my promotional strategies to reach more of the right people. The feedback also helped me better understand what my customers want from my brand.

I also learned that setbacks are part of the journey. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching something new, but success doesn’t happen overnight. This pop-up might not have been a hit, but it’s a reminder that building a brand like Roxas will take time, persistence, and constant learning.

4. Focusing on Growth

This experience taught me that failure isn’t final—it's an opportunity to grow. Instead of being discouraged, I’m motivated to adjust my approach. Next time, I’ll be more prepared. I’ll focus on marketing more effectively, making sure my next event is better promoted to the right audience. I’ll also consider tweaking my designs and price points based on the feedback I received.

The pop-up shop wasn’t a huge success in terms of sales, but it was a success in terms of growth. I’m learning, adapting, and staying resilient, and that’s what entrepreneurship is all about. This is just the beginning for Roxas, and every step, even the challenging ones, is part of the journey toward building a brand that truly resonates with people.