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The Pop-Up Economy: What’s New and Popping?

December 29, 2022 7:42 AM | TLC Monadnock (Administrator)

Whether a pop-up shop, pop-up event, or pop-up planning process – the Pop-Up Economy means that whatever pops up is temporary.  This short-term status makes pop-ups less risky than setting up something permanent and typically requires less investment of time and money.  It allows entrepreneurs to test a new product or business idea and see how the community responds. 

Check out these upcoming pop-up events here in the Monadnock Region. 


Winter Wine Pop-Up

Northeast Wine Company will offer Vintage: A Pop-Up Wine Experience on January 5 and February 2 from 2 – 7 p.m. at Brewtopia on Washington Street in Keene.  Taste, learn about, and purchase hard-to-find wines at retail cost.  

“The American Northeast is currently experiencing a renaissance of wine production, making high-quality and unique wines in every state,” said Sarah Trubnick, owner of Northeast Wine Company. “Northeast Wine Company is dedicated to showcasing sustainably and responsibly produced wines from small wineries throughout these emerging regions. We strive to make these wines available in restaurants and wine shops across New Hampshire and increase public awareness of the Northeast’s unique terroir.”

This event is free, but participants must be 21+ years old.  Please register in advance.  Learn more about Northeast Wine Company.


Spring Local Community Pop-Up

Save the date for this pop-up!  The Monadnocker is thrilled to announce their Local Community Pop-Up on May 20 at His & Hers Farm in Alstead.

“Think fresh air, flowers, and sunshine! The farm’s vintage, lovingly restored barn will feature talented makers from the area with handcrafted goods, foodie flavors, and sweet surprises.  Wander His & Hers Farm with its slopes, pergolas, terrace, and garden scapes, all thoughtfully created by kind and generous husband and wife owners, Dean & Wendy,” shared Caroline Tremblay from The Monadnocker.  “Together, we’re planning an event filled with lives tunes, games on the grass, and crafting activities for all! If you heard the buzz about our Greenhouse Pop-Up in 2022, you know this is not a day you want to miss.”

TheMonadnocker.com is a digital, local magazine designed to spark, delight in, and celebrate the local experiences that make Southern New Hampshire so extraordinary.

Pop-Up Inspiration Outside Our Region

Here are two pop-up examples beyond our region to inspire the growth of our Pop-Up Economy: Holiday Pop-Up Shops in Oklahoma City and Replay Lincoln Park in Chicago.


Holiday Pop-Up Shops

Each December since 2012, an empty corner in Oklahoma City has transformed into an outdoor shopping destination called The Holiday Pop-Up Shops.  This pop-up generated over $650,000 in sales for participating shops last year and raised significant funds for its organizer, the Independent Shopkeepers Association.

Imagine cozy igloo dome tents chocked full of unique products from locally owned businesses, a Christmas tree at the center of this festive scene (much like the one on Keene’s Central Square), plus other decorations and temporary structures to host shopkeepers and attract and delight residents and visitors alike.

“The Holiday Pop-Ups aren't just about supporting local shops; they're also about connecting our community through placemaking,” shared the Independent Shopkeepers Association.  “We encourage customers to find new shops during the Pop-Ups and support those shops at their brick-and-mortar locations the rest of the year.”

New this year, The Holiday Pop-Up Shops offered a limited number of Top Shopper Happy Hour preview passes, giving true fans access to three preview shopping nights before the shops opened to the public.  Happy Hour shoppers also received special goodies from partners and sponsors. Discover more!


Replay Lincoln Park

A vintage arcade bar in Chicago called Replay Lincoln Park offers unique experiences by launching pop-up themes.  Currently, the arcade bar hosts A Very Harry Christmas Pop-Up, transforming the bar into a Harry Potter-themed winter experience with special cocktails, magical photo opportunities, and fun events throughout the month.  Past pop-up themes included The Office, Shrek's Swamp, Moe's Tavern, and many more.

“These pop-up shops are a celebration of pop culture and complement our core mission, said Mark Kwia, the manager at Replay. “We’re a vintage arcade bar that celebrates an easier, more youthful time. Never grow up; it’s a trap!”

Have ideas to make our community pop with the Pop-Up Economy?  Share your vision with us at jen@thelocalcrowd.com.

The Local Crowd Monadnock - Keene, NH

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