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
Luxury Bag Pop Ups
Hermès Debuted a Designer Bag Installation Pop Up in Manhattan
Mixologist-Crafted Beverage Creations
PepsiCo will Host a 'DRIPS by Pepsi' Pop-Up in New York
Soft-Pink Cosmetics Pop-Up Stores
This Kylie Cosmetics Pop-Up Store Featured Bestsellers
Multisensory French Fry Pop-Ups
The McCain Happy Frydays Café Shares an Over-the-Top Menu
Toaster Pastry Galleries
The Pop(T)Art Gallery Recreates Iconic Artwork with Pop-Tarts
Dish-Inspired Plushie Pop-Ups
Jellycat's 'Fish & Chips' Pop-Up is a Uniquely British Experience
Eco-Friendly Retail Pop-Ups
Stella McCartney's Ibiza Pop-Up Uses Recycled Wood; Efficient Lighting
Uniquely Commemorative Skincare Pop-Ups
Glow Recipe will Host a Beauty Night Market in L.A.
Lab-Themed Hair Pop-Ups
Garnier Fructis Showcases its New Collection Through a Scientific Pop-Up
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
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Creamsicle-Flavored Cream Cheeses
Poppi & PopUp Bagels Created a Special-Edition Cream Cheese
Groundbreaking AR Posters
Wall's Out-of-Home Ads Make AR Experiences Unmissable with WinDOOH Tech
Limited-Edition Cartoon Pop-Ups
Nordstrom NYC Celebrates Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary
Multi-Sensory ASMR Experiences
Valentino Beauty's Dubai Airport Pop-Up Featured Gilded Visuals
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
The Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio Beats "Baker's Block" with AI
Immersive Whiskey Brand Activations
The Johnnie Walker Blue Room is a Pop-Up at Yorkdale Mall
Digital Cosmetics Pop-Ups
Oh My Cream! Launched a Digital Pop-Up to Showcase Nine Brands
Personalized Digital Playgrounds
Pringles Poptopia is an Immersive, Engaging Experience for Fans
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
Nostalgia-Inspired Fast Food Concepts
McDonald’s CosMc’s Concept Officially Opens in Texas
Memory-Stimulating Chocolate Boxes
Cadbury's Memory Bar Boxes Help People Living with Dementia
Fruit-Stand-Inspired Vodka Pop-Ups
Kylie Jenner’s Canned Vodka Soda will Host an Event in NYC
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
Modernized Coffee Product Branding
Nescafé Branding Has Been Overhauled for a Refreshed Profile
AI-Generated Soup Can Art
The Campbell’s 'pAIntings' Initiative is Inspired by Artistic Greats
Pink-Themed Summer Pop-Ups
The LANEIGE Bounce Around the City Pop-Up Launches in Five U.S. Cities
Canvas Tote NYC Pop-Ups
Lands' End Launched a Personalization Concept Pop-Up Shop in New York
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
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
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Vibrant Snack Packaging Designs
Cooper Street Snacks Has Unveiled a New Packaging Design
Personalized Embroidery Pop-Ups
Battersea Power Station's Botanical Atelier Enhances Spring Style
Luxe Pop-Up Experiences
Victoria Beckham Beauty Hosts an 8-Day Pop-Up for New Fragrance Launch
Gamer-Centric Fast Food Campaigns
Burger King's Gaming Campaign to Rewards “Burger-to-King” Goals
Heated QSR Anniversary Campaigns
Burger King Brazil Celebrates Milestone with a New Campaign
Refreshed Colorful Candy Brands
Elmwood Reinvents the New Skittles Branding Update
Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Ups
Chips Ahoy! Pop-Up to Serve Free Ice Cream in NYC
Amalfi Coast-Inspired Pop-Ups
e.l.f. Cosmetics Hosted a Beach Club Activation in Brooklyn
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
Soda-Branded Fashion Capsules
The Forever 21 x Coca-Cola Collection Exudes a Timeless Allure
Craveable Soda Packaging
Sprite is Reviving Its Obey Your Thirst Campaign for a New Generation
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
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
Playful Retail Pop-Up Installations
Selfridges Unveils the Joke Shop with a Slapstick Generator
Galactic Cafe Experiences
The Star Wars-Themed Cafe in Tokyo Takes Fans to an Outer Galaxy
Food-Inspired Interactive Booths
The Nourishing a Better Planet Sustainability Program Debuted
Ice Cream-Inspired Candy Bars
These Nestlé Sharing Bags Come in Four Flavor Options
Retro Japanese-Inspired Cafe Designs
Sarah Carpenter Creates the Postcard Bakery Design in NYC
Cross-Category Refreshment Campaigns
Sprite and Pringles Hot Have Teamed Up for a New Campaign
Vintage Camera Experiences
Nikon’s Vintage Pop-Up Diner Teases the Past at Yorkdale Mall
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Video Game-Themed Candy Branding
The Hershey Company and Nintendo Announced a New Partnership
Scented Fast Food Billboards
McDonald's Set Up a French Fry-Scented Billboard
Retro Cartoon Capsules
Boxlunch Celebrates Strawberry Shortcake’s 45th Anniversary with Collection
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
Beaded Ice Cream Cups
Mini Melts' New Look Highlights Fun Frozen Novelties
Culinary Pop-Up Experiences
The RC Show's Pop-Up Experience is an Adventure for the Taste Buds
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
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
Cosmic Beverage Activations
CELSIUS Energy Promotes its Space Vibe Trilogy with a Coachella Event
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Heritage-Honoring Artful Posters
Herman Miller Adds to the Archival Poster Collection
Nostalgic Bodycare Revivals
Lush Brought Back 45 Previously Discontinued Retro Products
Nostalgic Snack Ranges
Munchies Returns to Canada After a 20-Year Hiatus
Festive Advent Campaigns
Cadbury's 24 Out-of-Home Ads Represent the Countdown to Christmas
Retro QSR Menus
The Taco Bell Decades Menu Revisits Favorites from Past Decades
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Interactive Connected Packaging
Asahi Beverages Philippines Debuts a New Experience
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
Discerning Drinker Pop-Ups
Fentimans' Pop-Up Inspires People to Choose More Interesting Beverages
Nostalgic Flavor Campaigns
Knorr Introduces the Taste of Home Campaign
Complimentary Coffee Retailer Promotions
Wawa is Celebrating its 60th Anniversary This Wawa Day
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
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Gameshow-Style Pop-Ups
The Jo Malone Christmas Special Attracts Visitors with a Prize Wheel
Experiential Tea Pop-Ups
The House of Caramelised Biscuit Immersed Guests in a New Brew
Nostalgic Fragrance Campaigns
Impulse & Frankie Bridge Faithfully Recreated Iconic 90s Looks
Chain Restaurant Food Festivals
Chain is the Worlds First Gourmet Chain Food Festival
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
Specialty Cheese Campaigns
Alouette Unveiled its Creative 'Flavor That Sings' Campaign
Experiential Giveaway Pop-Ups
The Moment Shop Helps AIR MILES Members Bring Experiences to Life
Chinese Tea Brand Pop-Ups
HEYTEA Celebrated a Successful Expansion into the French Market
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
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
Legacy Chocolate Brand Packaging
The Cadbury 200th Anniversary is Being Marked with Retro Branding
Retro-Inspired Beer Cans
Premium Lager by Bellwoods Brewery is Vibrant and Nostalgic
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
Racing Motif Pop-Ups
Mytheresa x Flamingo Estate Transform an Auto Shop for a Unique Experience
Nostalgic Lip Balm Collections
Camp Burt Introduces its '84 Summer Merch Collection
Filmmaker-Inspired Pop-Ups
Montblanc Debuts Los Angeles Pop-Up Inspired by Wes Anderson Aesthetics
Snack-Branded Beverage Cups
bp and Frito-Lay North America Collaborated for Drink Cup Branding
Anniversary-Celebrating Storytelling Ads
The Walt Disney Company Mark Marvel's 85th Anniversary
Vintage-Style Candy Branding
Cadbury Yours for 200 Years Packaging Marks the Brand's Anniversary
Next-Generation Mall Campaigns
Simon's Meet Me @themall Targets Gen Z Shoppers
Unashamedly Romantic Pop-Ups
Laura Ashley's Workshops Use Deadstock Fabric to Create New Totes
Pickleball-Themed Cosmetics Pop-Ups
MAC Hosted a Glow Play Summer Activation in Toronto
Interactive Juice Packaging
Gulf Union Foods Launched Fun Connected Packaging for its Juices
Playful QSR Campaigns
Cossette Forms the New McDonald's Campaign to Closest Restaurant
Spooky Lunch Refreshment Branding
The Capri-Sun Halloween Pouches are Limited-Edition
AI-Powered Pain Visualization Experiences
Panadol Hosted the Art of Release Experience
Australian Yogurt Campaigns
Yoplait Launches a New Platform and Marketing Campaign with AJF
Nostalgic Festive Baked Goods
Lola's Cupcakes Christmas Range Reimagines Holiday Classics
Paper Sampling Containers
Arcade Beauty Debuts a Paper-Based Sampling Solution for Beauty Products
Fine-Dining Bakery Bistros
Bistro Greggs Offers an Elevated Experience from the Bakery Chain
Playful Baked Good Branding
Whaoo! Filled Crêpes Have Been Rebranded to Target Parents
Revived Decade-Themed QSR Menus
This New Taco Bell Menu Has Five Nostalgic Offerings
Casual Pizzeria Marketing
UK Pizza Chain PizzaExpress Undergoes Design Update
Whimsical Chocolate-Inspired Experiences
Hershey's Chocolate World is Rolling Out Summer Offerings
Nostalgic Coffee Shop Apparel
A Nostalgic Merch Collection is Coming to Tim Hortons' TimShop.ca
Eye-Catching Value Crisp Branding
Discos Snacks are Introducing New Branding for its PMP Products
Retro-Inspired Dessert Pots
Gü Desserts Nostalgia Comes in Two Flavors Inspired by the 1970s
Connected Packaging Updates
Appetite Creative Revamps its Connected Packaging with Tetra Pak
Tradition-Focused Digital Libraries
Nestlé Brands Introduced the Living Traditions Library
Pastel Palette Retail Stores
Aro Archive Opens Up a New Store Location in Shoreditch
Retailer Bakery Product Expansions
These New One Stop Lines are Perfect for Picnics and Sharing
Virtual-First QSR Brands
IHOP Unveils a New Expansion for its Virtual Restaurant Concepts
Festival Season Snack Campaigns
KP Snacks and Live Nation Partnered for a New Popchips Campaign
Hotel-Led Vintage Markets
The MOB Hôtel Hosted a Vintage Market, an Eco Conference and Workshops
Nostalgic Cafe Anniversary Donuts
Tim Hortons Retro Donuts Come in Four Varieties
Tennis-Themed Pop-Ups
The Rubens At the Palace Hosts 'Sweet Serve' to Celebrate Wimbledon
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
Cafe Anniversary Drink Menus
Ziggi’s Coffee is Celebrating 20 Years with New Drink Options