Pop-Up Store Reflection: Lessons, Wins, and What’s Next! ✨
[10-15 min read]
Last Sunday 2nd February, we wrapped up the CNY NS Pop-Up Store at Rotterdam Central Station, and what an experience it was! From setting up my little shop space to meeting customers who connected with my art, this past week has been a whirlwind of excitement, learning, and a bit of nervous energy. But guess what? The journey isn’t over yet!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be moving to a new, more permanent pop-up store! 🎉 Starting Saturday, February 8, I’ll be showcasing my work at Cong’s Place, right next to Amazing Oriental on WestKruiskade, together with other amazing Chinese makers. This feels like the next step in my creative journey, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
But before I dive into what’s ahead, let’s take a moment to reflect on what I learned from the past week. Because, wow—I learned a LOT!
What Went Well? 🌸
There were so many small wins that made this pop-up experience incredibly special. Even though I went in with no expectations, I walked away with moments that truly warmed my heart.
1. The Vibes Were Immaculate ✨
One of the best parts of the pop-up store was the atmosphere. The energy was so warm and uplifting—people were genuinely excited to be there, to discover new artists, and to support small businesses. It felt gezellig, that Dutch word for cozy, fun, and welcoming all at once.
2. People Loved My Art! 😭💖
I honestly wasn’t sure how my stickers, art prints, and postcards would be received. But hearing people say, "Oh, this is so cute!" and then actually adopting my art? That was a surreal feeling! It reminded me that there are people who appreciate what I make—and that I should trust in my work more.
3. A No-Pressure Sales Mindset Helped 🫶
I didn’t want to put pressure on myself to sell a lot, so I set a small, personal goal: "If just one person buys something today, I’ll be happy." And that mindset made all the difference! Instead of stressing over sales, I enjoyed the interactions and appreciated every single purchase, no matter how small.
4. Learning and Adapting My Set-Up 🎨
Since the pop-up ran for multiple days, I had the chance to observe, tweak, and improve my display. I noticed what worked, what didn’t, and made small changes in how I arranged my stickers, prints, and pricing. It was a great reminder that experimenting is key—something I’ve definitely learned from my background in design facilitating and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) thinking! 😆
What I Want to Improve 💪
As much as I loved the experience, there were definitely things I want to work on for future events.
1. Being More Social (Maybe? 🤔)
One of my biggest struggles was figuring out how much to interact with customers. Should I talk to people while they’re browsing? Should I let them shop in peace? I kept overthinking it! 😅 Some artists naturally engage with every visitor, while others take a more hands-off approach. I guess I need to find a balance that feels right for me.
2. Enjoying the Moment More 🫠
On the outside, I probably looked calm and collected, but inside? Nervous wreck. 🫠 I was constantly overanalyzing everything—how my display looked, how people reacted, whether I should be doing more. Next time, I want to be less critical of myself and truly enjoy the experience as it happens.
3. Streamlining My Sticker & Print-Making Process 🖨️
One thing I realized is that my current production process takes up a lot of time. I’d love to refine it so I can spend less time prepping stickers and more time creating—whether that’s drawing new designs, writing blogs, or exploring new ideas for my shop.
4. Investing in Better Displays 🏷️
Right now, my sticker and print displays are pretty basic. I made them work, but I definitely see the value in investing in proper displays to showcase my work more professionally. A good setup can make a huge difference in how inviting and polished a booth looks!
What’s Next? The New Pop-Up at Cong’s Place! 🎉
With all these reflections in mind, I’m excited to prepare for my next pop-up at Cong’s Place, opening on February 8! This time, I’ll be:
✅ Restocking my stickers, art prints, and postcards
✅ Refining my setup for better display & organization
✅ Experimenting with how I engage with customers
✅ Trying to enjoy the moment more (and stress less!)
I’m also hoping I finally shake off this annoying cold before then, because let’s be honest—being sick while running a pop-up is not fun. 😅
Final Thoughts 💭
This past week was such a valuable experience, both as a small business owner and as an artist learning to put their work out into the world. I’m so grateful for everyone who visited, supported, and encouraged me along the way! And of course, thank you to @ruijunluong, @chuangyiclub, and @space101rotterdam for making this all happen. 🥹💖
If you’re in Rotterdam, come visit me at Cong’s Place on WestKruiskade! Let’s make this next pop-up even better together. 😊
Have you ever participated in a pop-up store? What were your biggest takeaways? Let me know in the comments!