Rent a pop up retail space in Chicago, IL

Pop up shops are one of Chicago's most exciting venues to explore. Shops dedicated to weird, wacky, trendy, and artistic clothes, food, art, and more pop into being for a few days, weeks, or months. They then fade out of existence, perhaps returning next year. Or never to be seen again. The ephemeral nature of pop up shops means people want to rush right over and experience what's on offer before it's too late. You'll have to keep your finger right on the pulse of the city to avoid missing out, though. Who doesn't want the chance to make their own soap, sample traditional cuisine from a faraway country, or taste craft brews at the grand opening of a new brewery? All that's needed for an amazing pop up shop venue is a great idea and a rental space.

Since pop up shops aren't a permanent addition to the city's landscape it pays to hunt for temporary retail space in Chicago. Fortunately, there is a lot to be had. Many permanent retail stores, community centers, restaurants, breweries, bars, and other locations are open to pop up shops on their grounds. Especially if your idea supports their business or is related to what they have on offer. For example, art institutions and community centers in a historically immigrant-based neighborhood are a great place to set up a pop up restaurant featuring cuisine from said community's home country. For more flexible temporary venues try hotels, lofts, warehouses, and conference rooms. Lofts are abundant in the West and North Side of the city, given Chicago's history as a manufacturing powerhouse. Many are also beautiful, with original factory windows letting in loads of natural light and exposed wooden beams just waiting to be decorated with hanging posters. Place a few more decorations on the walls, set up tables and chairs, and you have an instant boutique pop up space in Chicago.

Pop up shops are a great way to test the popularity of a concept — or launch a product — without the major financial, time, and personal commitment a full-on storefront requires. Since so many retail spaces are empty, owners are learning to offer flexible terms that are ideal for pop up shops. 3 to 6 month leases, low rental rates, and a willingness to accept everything from restaurants to retail stores make it easier than ever to experiment with a pop up shop.