These nostalgic brand activations range from custom LP retailers to arcade-themed eateries that take attendees back in time to the 80s and early 90s. Standouts include McVitie's Jaffa Cakes tower -- a nostalgic snack installation created to celebrate Father's Day 2016 -- as well as Benefit Cosmetics beauty-themed tea party which revived the British afternoon tradition.
Other notable examples include analog popup shops like American Greetings' SXSW activation. The popup allowed visitors to take part in crafts like printmaking, card making and even featured a stitched selfie station that was created with a sewing machine.
Vintage soda bars, porridge breakfast cafes and nostalgic ice cream trucks round off this list of nostalgic brand activations. Appealing to lovers of all things retro, these marketing examples illustrate the importance of the past and showcase its power to shape the experiences of new generations.
36 Nostalgic Brand Activations
36
Nostalgic Food Truck Branding
Grilled Cheese Wonderland's Concept is a Nod to 90s Youth Culture
35
80s-Inspired Fashion Pop-Up Stores
STAYCOOLNYC Hosts Its First Pop-up Location in New York
34
Awkward School Photo Lookbooks
Cherry Los Angeles Debuts Its Graphic Range in a Nostalgic Manner
33
Board Game Pop-Up Hotels
The McDonald's Monopoly Hotel Publicity Campaign Brings the Game to Life
32
American Anime Cafes
The Hello Kitty Cafe is Now is Opening as a Semi-Permanent LA Cafe
31
Underground Sneaker Events
adidas Originals' EQT Sneaker Release Was Hosted in a Parking Garage
30
Playable Arcade Game Buildings
This Building's Facade was Turned into a Playable Tetris Monitor
29
Mobile Ice Cream Shops
This Cobranded Food Truck Treated SXSW Atendees to Vegan Fruit Pops
28
Debuting Designer Pop-Ups
Cherry Los Angeles' Introductory Pop-Up Store is Red-Accented
27
Nostalgic VR Advertisments
Pepsi VR is a Pop-Up Marketing Booth at the Super Bowl LII
26
Female Superhero Children's Pop-Ups
The Powerpuff Girls Emporium Offers an Immersive Experience
25
Analog Pop-Up Shops
Analog by American Greetings Offers Low-Tech Entertainment to SXSW Attendees
24
Rap Label Pop-Ups
Cash Money Records & VFILES Joined to Offer Apparel from Hip-Hop's Biggest Names
23
Nostalgia-Inducing Record Shops
Chicago's 'Bric-a-Brac' is a Record Collector's Dream Destination
22
Nostalgic 90s Pop-Up Diners
The 'Saved by the Max' Pop-Up Offers Fans a Taste of Bayside Cuisine
21
Edible Snack Cake Installations
McVitie's Launched a Jaffa Cakes Tower for Father's Day 2016
20
Hazelnut Spread Pop-Ups
This Temporary Nutella Store Offered Personalized Jars for Consumers
19
Gamified Pop-Up Eateries
The 'Meal of Fortune' Pop-Up is Part Restaurant and Part Arcade
18
Beauty Branded Tea Parties
Benefit Cosmetics Created an Activation Around a British Tradition
17
Custom LP Pop-Ups
Urban Outfitters' Crosley Pop-Up Lets Visitors Create Their Own Vinyl Records
16
90s Boy Band Pop-Ups
NSYNC is Launching #TheDirtyPopUp to Share an Official Merch Capsule
15
Nostalgic Neon-Lit Bars
The Convenience Bar in Toronto Revives Everything About the 90s
14
Sitcom-Inspired Cafes
'Rue La Rue' Will Become New York's First Golden Girls-Themed Restaurant
13
Cookie Dough Pop-Up Shops
The 'Dough TO' Shop Serves Fresh Cookie Dough with a Shot of Milk
12
Puppet-Themed Cafes
This Harajuku Cafe Theme Celebrates Elmo and Other Sesame Street Friends
11
Nostalgia-Inducing Customization Campaigns
Pepsi Boasts a Create-Your-Own-Can Branding Initiative
10
Nostalgic Automotive Pop-Ups
Renault is Introducing Its Clio Model as "the Original Millennial"
9
Porridge Breakfast Cafes
Quaker Oats' 'Oat Café' Serves a Different Porridge Every Half Hour
8
Pop-Up Memorabilia Museums
A Disney Pop-Up Showcases Disney Park's Amazing Artistry and History
7
Space Arcade Pizza Restaurants
Disneyland is Opening a Real-Life Toy Story Pizza Planet
6
Geeky Gaming Hotels
The Arcade Hotel in Amsterdam Features Rooms Outfitted with Gaming Systems
5
TV Network Dessert Pop-Ups
Food Network UK's Ice Dream Van Served Nostalgic Flavors on Its Tour
4
Vintage Soda Cocktail Pop-Ups
Soda Brand Fentimans Has Launched a Pop-Up Ahead of Six Nations
3
Phone Booth Salad Shops
This Pop-Up Salad Shop is Housed Inside an Old UK Telephone Booth
2
Analog Sun Health Campaigns
The Solar Intensity Meter Was Installed by Unimed Pelotas
1
Television-Inspired Draft Ads
The 2018 NFL Draft Ad Pays Homage to the Classic TV Show 'Dallas'
Related Ideas
Canvas Tote NYC Pop-Ups
Lands' End Launched a Personalization Concept Pop-Up Shop in New York
Mixologist-Crafted Beverage Creations
PepsiCo will Host a 'DRIPS by Pepsi' Pop-Up in New York
Experiential Luggage Events
The BÉIS Bloomingdale’s Takeover Featured a Human Claw Machine
Restored Cafe Culture Retailers
The New Starbucks Coffee House Design Revives the Local Cafe Feel
Soda-Branded Casual Apparel
poppi Collaborates with Target to Celebrate its 'Cream Soda' Flavor
Dish-Inspired Plushie Pop-Ups
Jellycat's 'Fish & Chips' Pop-Up is a Uniquely British Experience
Uniquely Commemorative Skincare Pop-Ups
Glow Recipe will Host a Beauty Night Market in L.A.
Eco-Friendly Retail Pop-Ups
Stella McCartney's Ibiza Pop-Up Uses Recycled Wood; Efficient Lighting
Modern Newsstand Skincare Pop-Ups
Neutrogena x AIRE Health Hosted a Thematic Event
Grocer-Inspired Beauty Retail Pop-Ups
The Benefit Benemart Holiday Concept Shop is at Selfridges
GenAI Confectionery Posters
The My Cadbury Era Tool Puts People into Retro Posters with AI
90's Archival Footwear Pop-Ups
Dr. Martens Hosted a 'Buzz Bus' in NYC
Nature-Inspired Coffee Boutiques
Nespresso Opens a Retail Location in Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Immersive High-Fashion Retail Experiences
Alaïa Opens a Bookstore and Café at Its Flagship Store
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
The Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio Beats "Baker's Block" with AI
Limited-Edition Cartoon Pop-Ups
Nordstrom NYC Celebrates Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary
Personalization-Focused Retail Concepts
Golden Goose Opens in NYC's Meatpacking District
Multi-Sensory ASMR Experiences
Valentino Beauty's Dubai Airport Pop-Up Featured Gilded Visuals
Digital Cosmetics Pop-Ups
Oh My Cream! Launched a Digital Pop-Up to Showcase Nine Brands
Reinvigorated 90s Fashion
The Old Navy '94 Reissue Collection Revives Nostalgic Style
Naturalistic Taco Stand Campaigns
Coca-Cola Launched a Street Photography Campaign in Norway
Demystifying Skincare Pop-Ups
The Power Of Simple Experience Pop Empowers Consumers
Brick-and-Mortar Collectibles Stores
POP MART Debuted Its First Permanent Store in the Netherlands
Break-Encouraging Soda Branding
The Diet Coke Break Campaign Includes Customized Cans
Fruit-Stand-Inspired Vodka Pop-Ups
Kylie Jenner’s Canned Vodka Soda will Host an Event in NYC
Re-Energized Snack Campaigns
J.M. Smucker Co Introduced the ‘Speakie Snackie’ Campaign
Refreshing Streetwear Collabs
Lipton Iced Tea x Cruel Pancake Dropped 90s-Inspired Summer Styles
Customizable Retail Experiences
M&M'S® Debuts New Personalized Offerings to Delight Consumers
Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups
The Players' Lounge Pop-Up by NARS Spotlights Complexion Products
Nostalgic Snack-Inspired Accessories
Typo Creates a Unique Capsule Honoring Pepsi and Cheetos
Convenient Store-Themed Pop-Ups
Lee Kum Kee Showcased its Ingredients with Retro Flare
Seasonal Phone Booth Activations
Spotify's Q4 is Calling Urges Brands to Start Holiday Advertising
Vibrant Snack Packaging Designs
Cooper Street Snacks Has Unveiled a New Packaging Design
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Luxe Pop-Up Experiences
Victoria Beckham Beauty Hosts an 8-Day Pop-Up for New Fragrance Launch
Fan-Centered Stadium Menus
Kellanova Shared a Special Menu for Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts Bowl Games
Amalfi Coast-Inspired Pop-Ups
e.l.f. Cosmetics Hosted a Beach Club Activation in Brooklyn
Toaster Pastry Galleries
The Pop(T)Art Gallery Recreates Iconic Artwork with Pop-Tarts
Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Ups
Chips Ahoy! Pop-Up to Serve Free Ice Cream in NYC
Nature-Reconnecting Outdoor Campaigns
Mammut Encouraged People to Reconnect with Nature
UK Beauty Summer Pop-Ups
Mecca Cosmetica is Hosting a Summer Pop-up in London and Manchester
Pop-Culture-Inspired Soda Drinks
Cool Sips Embraces Pop Culture Moments with Themed Drinks
Terrace Brand Endeavors
Louis Vuitton Features its Latest Collection at a Beachfront Pop-Up
Retro Video Game Stores
Gamestop is Opening 'Retro' Locations to Sell Used Games
Mixtape-Inspired Cafe Drinks
The New Dutch Bros Spring Menu Features Three Drink Options
Marketer-Targeted Cereal Ads
Surreal's Out-of-Home Campaign Speaks to Marketers, Not Consumers
Unique Cosmetics Launch Events
Summer Fridays will Host a London Newsstand Pop-Up
Celebratory Syrup Pop-Ups
The Torani Flavor Factory Shares a Taste of the Past & Future
Galactic Cafe Experiences
The Star Wars-Themed Cafe in Tokyo Takes Fans to an Outer Galaxy
Accessory-Based NYC Pop-Ups
Claire’s x Lil Sweet Treat Partner for a Vibrant NYC Pop-Up
Retro Japanese-Inspired Cafe Designs
Sarah Carpenter Creates the Postcard Bakery Design in NYC
Festive Advent Campaigns
Cadbury's 24 Out-of-Home Ads Represent the Countdown to Christmas
Cross-Category Refreshment Campaigns
Sprite and Pringles Hot Have Teamed Up for a New Campaign
Beautifying Pre-Concert Pop-Ups
Tequila Rose's Break in Case of Glam-ergency Refreshed Music Fans
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Nostalgic Sports-Focused Grocery Campaigns
Instacart Debuts a Campaign in Kansas City
Immersive Summer Pop-Ups
Guildford Town Centre Will Present the 'Spring Fling' Pop-Up Experience
Festive Irish-Inspired Pop-Ups
Freehouse Collective Debuts the Barrelman: Spirits of Dublin Pop-Up
Vintage Camera Experiences
Nikon’s Vintage Pop-Up Diner Teases the Past at Yorkdale Mall
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Gameshow-Style Pop-Ups
The Jo Malone Christmas Special Attracts Visitors with a Prize Wheel
Hydration-Branded Ice Cream Trucks
Liquid I.VV.® Debuts Its Ice Cream Truck Tour
Self-Care Festival Activations
Tree Hut Set Up a Remix Your Self-Care Experience at Lollapalooza
Video Game-Themed Candy Branding
The Hershey Company and Nintendo Announced a New Partnership
Retro QSR Menus
The Taco Bell Decades Menu Revisits Favorites from Past Decades
Modern Festival Activations
American Express will Offer Card Members a Unique Coachella Experience
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Nostalgic Bodycare Revivals
Lush Brought Back 45 Previously Discontinued Retro Products
Apparel-Themed Pop-Up Cafes
UNIQLO Unveils its Spring/Summer LifeWear Collection and Coffee Pop-Up
Immersive Cereal Cities
Kellogg's Town Welcomes Virtual Visitors in a Breakfast World
Discerning Drinker Pop-Ups
Fentimans' Pop-Up Inspires People to Choose More Interesting Beverages
Spring-Themed Chocolate Brand Activities
Hershey’s Chocolate World Delights Families During Spring
Festival-Ready Electrolyte Beverage Activations
The Electrolit Campground 5K Debuts at Coachella
Nostalgic Snack Ranges
Munchies Returns to Canada After a 20-Year Hiatus
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Personalized Pint Pop-Ups
The World of Guinness Created Community During the Holiday Season
Jellybean-Infused Popcorn Snacks
The Popcorn kitchen Jelly Beans Popcorn Kit is Nostalgic
Custom-Made Snacks
The KIND Bar Offers a Sensory Snack Experience
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Nostalgic Video Rental Pop-Ups
KitKat is Bringing Back Blockbuster to Help Fans "Break Better"
Nostalgic Bath Product Lines
Mr. Bubble Unveils Options for National Bubble Bath Day
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Fashion Lifestyle Pop-Up Events
Sundae School Hosts Their First Pop-Up in London
Sporty Ice Cream-Themed Activations
The Häagen-Dazs Flavour Club is Coming to the UK
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Nostalgic Fast Food Campaigns
'cheeky Maccas' Celebrates Australian Summer with a Road Trip
Nostalgic Classic Snacks
Back to Nature Received a Vibrantly Bold Rebrand
Experiential Tea Pop-Ups
The House of Caramelised Biscuit Immersed Guests in a New Brew
Co-Branded Drink Activations
The Cawston Press Frozen Fruit Waters Mobile Celebrates Inside Out 2
Collectible Cup QSR Meals
The McDonald's Collector's Meal Comes with One of Six Nostalgic Cups
Retail Innovation-Focused Events
Spar International Hosts the Spar Transform Event to Boost Retail
Experiential Giveaway Pop-Ups
The Moment Shop Helps AIR MILES Members Bring Experiences to Life
Specialty Cheese Campaigns
Alouette Unveiled its Creative 'Flavor That Sings' Campaign
Late-Night Chicken Shop Pop-Ups
Bird's Eye Launched a New Range with an Exclusive Experience
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Creativity-Focused One-Day Activations
Crayola Canada Celebrates National Crayon Day in Toronto
Intimate Customized Denim Events
Mars the Label Brings its Friends with Mars Event to London
Engaging Branded Pop-Up Kitchens
SOWN Celebrated the Launch of Its Oat Cold Foaming Cream
Retro-Inspired Beer Cans
Premium Lager by Bellwoods Brewery is Vibrant and Nostalgic
Local Eatery-Elevated Soda Campaigns
Pepsi is Running Immersive Experiences for the Super Bowl LIX
Peeling Cheese Packaging Billboards
This Babybel Billboard is Inspired by the Product's Packaging
Nostalgic Health-Conscious Snacks
Lexington Bakes Has Refreshed Its Product Offerings
Mobile Collagen-Branded Trucks
Revive Collagen Boosts Engagement with Branded Mobile Truck
Festive Everyday Biscuit Branding
Fox’s Burton’s is Launching Festive Packaging for the Holidays
Racing Motif Pop-Ups
Mytheresa x Flamingo Estate Transform an Auto Shop for a Unique Experience
Festive Candy Campaigns
Swedish Fish Targets Gen Z with its 'Be Sel-Fish' Activation
Nostalgic Lip Balm Collections
Camp Burt Introduces its '84 Summer Merch Collection
Exploratory Art Exhibits
The Saga of the Department Stores Exhibit Explores Shopping’s Evolution
Nostalgic Brunch Experiences
RUNWAY 06's Electric Brunch Offers a Fresh Twist on the Brunch Scene
Anniversary-Celebrating Storytelling Ads
The Walt Disney Company Mark Marvel's 85th Anniversary
Adorably Patterned Kitchen Appliances
Marquee Brands Expands Laura Ashley Licensing Deal with VQ
Nostalgic Festive Baked Goods
Lola's Cupcakes Christmas Range Reimagines Holiday Classics
Crafted Holiday Activations
Loews Hotels & Co will Offer Festive Pop-Ups and Seasonal Sips
Board Game-Themed Cafe Promotions
Scooter’s Coffee and CANDY LAND Partnered for Sweet Treats
Pizza Rental Pop-Ups
Daiya's Crustbuster Invited Visitors to Sample Dairy-Free Flavors
Next-Generation Mall Campaigns
Simon's Meet Me @themall Targets Gen Z Shoppers
Customer-Exclusive Brand Trips
Cocokind is Hosting a Customer Brand Trip to Napa Valley in 2025
40s-Style Breakfast Diners
Alpro's Early Birds Diner Pop-Up Resembles a Famous Painting
Nostalgically Flavored Snacks
SNAX-Sational Brands Has Unveiled the New PB&J POP
Pickleball-Themed Cosmetics Pop-Ups
MAC Hosted a Glow Play Summer Activation in Toronto
Events-Focused Retail Spaces
The Brick Spot from LEGO Group Features Interactive Party Elements
Playful QSR Campaigns
Cossette Forms the New McDonald's Campaign to Closest Restaurant
Rapper-Approved Pop-Ups
The Future x Grand Marnier Activations Remix Tradition with Modern Flair
Complimentary Ice Cream Activations
The Nuii Adventure Wagon Will Hand Out Over 800,000 Ice Creams
Paper Sampling Containers
Arcade Beauty Debuts a Paper-Based Sampling Solution for Beauty Products
Breakfast Brand Digital Platforms
Kellogg’s Town Engages Fans in an Entertaining and Personal Way
Revived Decade-Themed QSR Menus
This New Taco Bell Menu Has Five Nostalgic Offerings
Designer-Curated Vintage Capsules
Gap and Sean Wotherspoon Introduce the GapVintage Program
Eye-Catching Value Crisp Branding
Discos Snacks are Introducing New Branding for its PMP Products
Nostalgic Seasonal Snack Campaigns
This Tyrrells Campaign Encourages Holiday Snacking
Connected Packaging Updates
Appetite Creative Revamps its Connected Packaging with Tetra Pak
Retro Snack Rebrands
Back to Nature Unveils California-Inspired Nostalgic Packaging Design
Heritage Interior Chocolate Shops
Built Works Opens Up a New Barnaby Shop in Covent Garden
Tech-Enabled Ice Cream Trucks
Alsies Reimagined a Nostalgic Experience for the 21st Century
Festival Season Snack Campaigns
KP Snacks and Live Nation Partnered for a New Popchips Campaign
Old-Fashioned Candy Collections
Goetze’s Candy Company is Launching Two Special Edition Treats
Nostalgic Postcard Cafe Campaigns
Peet's Coffee 'Postcards from Peet’s' Campaign is Nostalgic
Cafe Anniversary Drink Menus
Ziggi’s Coffee is Celebrating 20 Years with New Drink Options