This industrial pop-up store for brand Gentle Monster in Seoul, South Korea is a stunning structure composed almost entirely of steel, despite its unassuming exterior. Designed by firm Artefacts, the 'Work in Progress' pop-up features a facade made up of mismatched window shutters that make the shopper imagine a less futuristic interior before they enter.
The memorable Gentle Monster pop-up showcases a variety of the brand's optical collection and serves as a great demonstration in eyewear merchandising. The steel interior walls have a number of pipes installed to it that make up the basis for the shelving on which the glasses are displayed.
As direct-to-consumer eyewear brands like Warby Parker create a more streamlined shopping experience, traditional eyewear retailers are being forced to up their in-store presence in order to remain competitive.
Industrial All-Steel Pop-up Shops
The Gentle Monster 'Work in Progress' Pop-Up is Located in Seoul
Trend Themes
1. Direct-to-consumer Eyewear Brands - Opportunity to create a more streamlined shopping experience and disrupt traditional eyewear retailers.
2. Industrial Pop-up Stores - Opportunity to use unconventional materials like steel to create visually striking structures for temporary retail spaces.
3. Eyewear Merchandising - Opportunity to innovate in the display and presentation of eyewear products in retail settings.
Industry Implications
1. Eyewear Retail - Opportunity for traditional eyewear retailers to enhance their in-store presence and compete with direct-to-consumer brands.
2. Temporary Retail - Opportunity for brands to create unique and eye-catching pop-up stores using unconventional materials and design elements.
3. Optical Collection - Opportunity for brands to showcase their eyewear collections in visually appealing and immersive retail environments.