Are you ready to book your pop up? See the steps you need to take before opening your doors.
Most brands underestimate how many moving pieces go into a pop up. Booking early not only secures your dates (we book quickly), but also gives your team the runway needed to create something intentional, beautiful, and effective.
Below is a breakdown of everything that typically happens between signing your agreement and opening your doors.
Step 1: Secure Your Booking (Week 0)
Before anything can move forward, your booking must be fully confirmed. This includes:
- Signed agreement
- Security deposit
- Any initial payments listed in your payment schedule
- Proof of general liability insurance
(As outlined in our onboarding materials )
Once these items are in, your dates are locked—and the real work begins.
Step 2: Concept, Creative Direction & Build-Out Planning (Weeks 1–3)
This is when your vision starts to take shape. Brands typically use this time to:
- Define the look and feel of the activation
- Decide on wall colors, fixtures, layout, experience flow, and facade concepts
- Identify any fabrication, furniture, or tech needs
- Source vendors and finalize design strategy
For teams with existing creative resources, this phase can move faster. For those who need support, our AK+ services include full creative strategy, design development, campaign planning, and build-out management .
Step 3: Finalize Design, Sourcing & Production Scheduling (Weeks 4–5)
This phase turns ideas into executable plans.
Tasks often include:
- Refining detailed design files
- Coordinating with contractors and mural artists (if applicable)
- Sourcing materials, furniture, signage, props, and tech
- Programming experiential elements (if used)
- Preparing plans for branding the mural billboard or full building wrap
If your concept includes custom fabrication or intricate exterior branding, early approval is required because exterior murals/building wraps must be produced by WWM and follow Abbot Kinney mural guidelines.
Step 4: Logistics, Staffing & Operational Prep (Weeks 6–7)
This is where the machinery of your pop up comes to life.
Common tasks include:
- Scheduling shipments to arrive on move-in day
- Hiring and training your staff
- Setting up POS systems, inventory processes, customer tracking, and event planning
- Finalizing calendar of programming (e.g., influencer events, PR moments, First Fridays tie-ins)
- Preparing for installation of facade and interior branding
- Aligning all vendors for your load-in/build-out window
This is usually the most time-consuming part of the process and why we encourage brands to start early.
Step 5: Move-In, Build-Out & Interior Setup (Week 6–7)
During move-in week, you’ll receive:
- A walkthrough of the space and key handoff
- Review of the space condition (which must be matched at move-out per Tenant Handbook expectations)
Your team (and ours, if supporting) will handle:
- Painting
- Installing fixtures, furniture, lighting, and signage
- Wrapping or painting the building facade
- Setting up POS, sound, media, tech, and merchandise
- Preparing the space for opening day
We offer full turnkey production and build-out options if your team prefers to be hands-off.
Step 6: Pop-Up Activation (Week 7+)
Your doors open and your campaign begins.
Many brands book for a month or more to take advantage of:
- Weekly foot traffic patterns
- The compounding effect of being open multiple weekends
- Key Venice events like First Fridays and seasonal programming (outlined in our AK Pop Up details)
During your activation, we also offer optional add-on services including advertising, media buying, creative support, staffing, events, and performance tracking.
Step 7: Tear Down, Clean Up & Exit Walkthrough (Week 8)
As beloved as your build-out may be, the space must return to its original condition.
This includes:
- Removing fixtures, signage, adhesives, and materials
- Repainting walls back to original colors
- Deep cleaning and debris removal
- Scheduling your final walkthrough with your AK Pop Up representative
Improper or incomplete restoration may result in deductions from the security deposit as outlined in the Tenant Handbook.
