We are back with part 2 of our roundup of festive pop-ups happening across the world this year.

Pop-ups are not just a way for retailers to test the market for a permanent store, but also a way to connect with new customers and offer exclusive products.

Many of the pop-ups we found were offering limited edition products, from previously sold out stock and branded merchandise, to bespoke items and pre-loved celebrity fashion.

We found mince pie windows, a fashion brand pub takeover and an AI generated window display.

Read on for inspiration for your holiday strategy.

Lookfantastic, London

After last year’s successful Christmas pop-up, beauty brand Lookfantastic returned again this year with “Home of Iconic Gifting”.

Customers had to access the Lookfantastic app to get entry to the pop-up with goody bags available for the first 100 people to visit. Interactive areas were dotted throughout for visitors to learn more about new products from popular brands such as Cloud 9 and The White Company.

Once inside, shoppers could use the Build Your Own Beauty Gift service to create bespoke Christmas gifts for £20. Brands on offer included La Roche-Posay, Elemis and Drunk Elephant. Customers were also able to purchase previously sold out Lookfantastic products, such as the Christmas Beauty Cracker, Premium Beauty Edit and the ever popular Beauty Advent Calendar.

Finally, customers could visit a floor that was entirely focused on unique gift wrapping for all their purchases.

Image credit: Extreme Cashmere

Extreme Cashmere, NYC

Luxury cashmere brand Extreme Cashmere has launched its first pop-up store to see if there is an appetite for a permanent space in the city.

The pop-up has been designed to feel cosy and incorporates sustainability, with fabric used to create “tents”, contrasted with bright red flooring and industrial fixtures and fittings. Customers are able to browse a range of the brand’s collection, including bestsellers like Crew Hop and the Kid. They will also be able to find a selection of exclusive items made for New York, as well as the Edition 30 collection which features sequins and hand-knits.

The launch was celebrated with an evening of cocktails and crudites and the pop-up will be open until 26 December.

Image credit: Verizon/Mattel

Barbie StreamHouse, NYC

A new bright pink house appeared in Manhattan, courtesy of a partnership by toy and entertainment company Mattel and communications brand Verizon.

Called the Barbie StreamHouse, the pop-up replicated the iconic Barbie DreamHouse, and was open until 15 December.

Visitors were given a tour of the house by Barbie via a mobile experience and were able to access a number of interactive opportunities, such as games and holiday photos. Virtual shopping guides were available featuring the Barbie Phone and Gizmo Watch, and exclusive items were available to selected Verizon customers, including phone cases and t-shirts.

The Barbie StreamHouse was also open for some good causes, including a girls’ leadership organisation and a local Verizon Innovative Learning school. 100 girls visited and received merchandise and toys and were able to learn more about Verizon technology.

Image credit: Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s Mince Pie Window, UK

Mince pie windows popped up across UK cities courtesy of food retailer Sainsbury’s.

From 2-3 December, visitors to London, Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester were able to get free mince pies and spiced tea from special mince pie windows. The idea of the windows came from Florence’s historical wine windows.

Customers were invited to ring a bell to receive their free mince pie and tea, and make a donation of £1, with the funds going to Comic Relief. Visitors to the London window were also able to meet Shirley Ballas from Strictly Come Dancing.

Ralph Lauren AI Window Display, NYC

Many stores in New York City compete to have the best window display, so luxury fashion brand Ralph Lauren came up with a unique twist this year.

Its window features an interactive display of the Ralph Lauren Polo Bear, who is celebrating the season in a penthouse and wearing a tuxedo. There are Ralph Lauren products visible in the background, including drinkware products. The window has been created using AI, and the bear is able to interact with people passing the store, including waving, dancing, blowing kisses, and selfies.

Other Ralph Lauren stores may also have similar windows, including those in Tokyo and London.

Crisis, London

Homeless charity Crisis launched another of its pop-ups to help raise funds for its vital work.

The pop-up was organised by stylist and director Tom Stubbs and Anda Rowland, and included pieces donated by famous celebrities such as Liam Gallagher, Jessie Ware and Kate Moss. A number of luxury brands also donated products so customers were able to browse Vivienne Westwood and Jimmy Choo. Additionally, Watches of Switzerland Group donated 100 watches for the cause.

Customers were also able to take part in a raffle at the end of the pop-up with the chance to win a selection of items.

Image credit: Kate Spade

Kate Spade, London

Luxury brand Kate Spade launched a festive pop-up inside the Exmouth Arms, a London pub.

The pub, called The Kate Spade Arms over 6-7 December, featured Kate Spade window designs and a vintage style pub sign. Visitors to the pop-up were able to book a meal of Kate Spade treats and drinks, while listening to a women’s brass group and playing pub games.

There were also a series of workshops that shoppers could book separately. These included collaborations with a number of local groups and artists, across a variety of different activities. 

Craft enthusiasts could make scrunchies from Kate Spade fabrics with Good Squish, join the Material Grrrlz group for a fibre art session, or make candles with OHROS Candles. Gamers could attend a gaming session with Black Girl Gamers or a pub quiz. Foodies could join Humble Crumble to learn how to make crumble or go for a pub lunch with Lonely Girls Club. And TikTok fans could hang out for cocktails with Maddi of Cripandip, or watch Lewys Ball’s DJ set.

Image credit: Dyson

Dyson OnTrac Atelier, London

To celebrate the recent launch of the Dyson OnTrac headphones, the electronics brand set up the OnTrac Atelier with London Sneaker School.

From 4-18 December, the OnTrac Atelier is hosting personalisation and customisation workshops, inspired by the customisation offered by the brand’s headphones. Visitors to the pop-up will be able to get their footwear customised in a variety of different ways, including laser cutting, engraving and stitching, by students of the London Sneaker School.

Ear cushions for the OnTrac headphones will be given away for free to any customers purchasing them, and there will also be an opportunity to win bespoke designed footwear from the London Sneaker School.