Pop-Up Shop Experts Creating Unforgettable Moments
The traditional retail model is evolving, and at Backlash, we are at the forefront of that shift. As a creative-first, experience-led pop-up shop agency, we understand that today, your physical space isn’t just a point of sale but a point of connection.
In today’s market, the most successful brands are those that break free from the constraints of permanent leases or digital walls to meet their customers exactly where they are. Whether it’s a high-spec exterior custom build in a bustling city square or an immersive space within a premium brick-and-mortar store, a pop-up offers a unique opportunity. It allows global and independent brands alike to "dip a toe" into a specific retail environment, testing new markets and engaging audiences without the massive overheads or long-term risks associated with traditional tenancies.
At Backlash, we specialise in moving your brand’s story beyond a digital screen and into a tangible, physical experience that stays with your customer long after they’ve left the space.
Our core services
We pride ourselves on being a full-service pop-up shop agency, meaning we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your brand vision. Our expertise spans across beauty, fashion, fragrance, and FMCG sectors, where aesthetics and impact are everything.
Pop-up Shops
From concept to completion, we build spaces that reflect your brand's DNA.
location sourcing
We find the "un-gettable" spots, from iconic high streets to high-footfall malls, through long-established relationships with landlords.
memorable experiences
We create multi-sensory environments that encourage connection and interaction.
product launches
We turn "just another launch" into a cultural moment with the “hype” to match.
Visual Merchandising
Our award-winning VM team ensures your product is the hero of every shot.
Our 1-to-1 Collaborative Approach
We know that a pop-up cannot be successful without great collaboration between our teams. Our approach is personal, honest, and we work as an extension of your internal marketing department. We sit down with you to understand your goals, run multiple cost scenarios to fit your specific budget, and create a range of concepts that you can confidently share back with your team.
Ready to bring your brand to life?
We’d love to hear about your vision. Whether you have a fully formed brief or just a spark of an idea, let’s grab a coffee and see how we can make it happen.
Our End-to-End Capabilities
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Disruptive Concept & Campaign Creation: We think outside the box to ensure your activation stands out in a crowded market.
High-Spec 2D & 3D Designs: Before a single nail is driven, you’ll see your space in high-fidelity 3D renders.
Marketing Concepts: We ensure the physical build aligns with your wider digital and PR strategy.
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Location Sourcing & Booking: We have relationships with London's biggest landlords as well as major UK shopping centres like Meadowhall (Sheffield), Lakeside (Essex), The Bullring (Birmingham), and Westfield (London), to name a few.
Budget Negotiation: We work hard to get you the best ROI on your spend.
Production & Material Sourcing: We find the right partners and the best materials to suit your design.
Installation & De-rig: Our team handles the entire build and the eventual pack-down with precision.
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Staffing & Training: We provide and train the staff who represent your brand on the ground.
H&S and RAMS Management: We handle all the red tape, risk assessments, and compliance so you don't have to worry about the legalities.
We Deliver More Than Just Pretty Spaces
We are proud to have partnered with some of the world’s most prestigious retailers, including John Lewis, Harrods, and Smyths. Our work is measured not just by how it looks, but by the impact it has on your bottom line.
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Blank Street Post Room
For this 4-day activation, we created a high-dwell environment that saw 3,000 attendees. The engagement was incredible: 60% utilised the Inpost services provided, and 96% shared their "passport photo" moments on social media, creating a massive digital ripple effect.
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Marc Jacobs 'Daisy Wild'
To celebrate this iconic fragrance, we distributed 44,000 samples over just three days. The centrepiece, an infinity mirror experience, resulted in 3,200 unique content shares, turning every visitor into a brand ambassador.
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L’Oreal Paris Worth it Experience
This 5-day pop-up saw 800 deep customer engagements and achieved something truly incredible: over £1 million in TikTok Shop sales. This was coupled with a significant uplift in sales at the adjacent Boots and a total social reach of 11 million.
We don’t just claim to be a leading pop-up agency in London; we’re super proud that our peers have recognised our work on the national stage.
VM & Display Awards: Winner of 'Best UK Pop-Up' for the Marc Jacobs Silver Box. This month-long pop-up shop in London was hailed as "best in class" within Covent Garden.
Creative Retail Awards: Winner for 'Best Pop-Up Store'.
Brand Experience Awards: Silver Winner for 'Most Effective Use of Influencers' with Tanologist.
We believe beautiful design shouldn't cost the earth. We use Popai Sustain to measure the carbon footprint of the materials we select.
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We’re a pop-up agency in London but also have long-standing relationships with the UK’s major landlords and retailers. We handle everything from the initial enquiry and site visits to budget negotiations and booking. Whether you want a spot in Harrods or a standalone space in St James Quater in Edinburgh, we navigate the logistics for you.
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Absolutely. While we are a creative-first agency, we are also experts in production management. We can take your existing 2D designs, turn them into 3D technical builds, and manage the entire installation and staffing process.
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Our DNA is in beauty, fashion, fragrance, and FMCG, as that’s where we started. These industries require a high level of finish and a deep understanding of visual displays, which is where our team truly shines. However, we have often taken these learnings to other sectors and can work with any brand looking to create a premium, disruptive experience.
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Timelines vary based on complexity, but for a high-spec build, we usually recommend 3 to 6 months for any city location. This allows time for meticulous design, material sourcing, and securing the best possible location.
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Yes. We provide end-to-end staffing solutions, including hiring, training, and onsite management. We ensure the people representing your brand are fully briefed on your products and values to ensure a seamless customer experience.
Marc Jacobs
Mirror Box Pop-Up
Vieve
Glasgow Christmas Pop-Up
Three Mobile
Jet Set Selfie Pop-Up
L'Oreal Paris
The Worth It Experience
CeraVe
CeraVe High
