Pop-ups ruled the trends in 2024, drawing fashionistas, foodies, and creatives to unique, one-of-a-kind experiences. From global brands showcasing their creativity to quirky foodie concepts worth every snap, these temporary spots delivered unforgettable moments. Whether it was a fancy fish-and-chips plushie corner or an immersive high-street recreated with AR tech, pop-ups were everywhere, redefining how we shop and interact with brands. These dynamic setups grabbed attention and created connections, fun memories, and some gorgeous Instagram-worthy content. If you missed these celebrated events, we’ve gathered the highlights below. Keep scrolling to revisit the best pop-up shops and restaurants everyone couldn’t stop raving about in 2024!
Hôtel Onitsuka Tiger, Paris
Timed perfectly with the Paris Olympics, Onitsuka Tiger’s pop-up turned a historic building near the Champs-Élysées into a yellow-themed immersive experience. Open from July 22 to August 17, 2024, the pop-up celebrated the brand's 75th anniversary with archival shoe displays, art by Yutaro Inagaki, live piano performances by Yuja Wang, and Japanese-French fusion dishes curated by Michelin-starred chef Yoji Tokuyoshi. It wasn’t a real hotel, but stepping in felt like checking into a world of Onitsuka Tiger history.
Benefit Cosmetics' Benemart, London
Benefit Cosmetics hit the mark with their playful Benemart, a grocery-themed beauty pop-up hosted at Selfridges in London. From August 22 to September 29, 2024, Benefit brought the supermarket vibes to life with pink shelves, retro signs, and beauty products disguised as food items like “Peas, Love & Pores” and “Whole Latte Lashes.” The first round popped up in the Beauty Hall before moving to the Food Hall. Beauty lovers walked away with limited-edition goodies and fun memories of spinning a gumball machine to win deluxe-sized prizes.
Netflix’s "As Seen on Netflix" Pop-Up, UK
Netflix teamed up with the mental health charity Mind to create a pop-up that blended fandom with philanthropy. Held in Bethnal Green, London, on October 12, and in Birmingham on October 19, 2024, the pop-up sold items from beloved shows like The Crown and Heartstopper. Fans had the chance to browse unique memorabilia, try on wardrobe pieces, and explore a replica of Charlie’s room from Heartstopper. Proceeds funded Mind's mental health efforts, making this not just fun but meaningful.
Snap Street by Snapchat, London
Snapchat brought AR tech to Brick Lane with Snap Street on October 19-20, 2024. Mixing fashion, beauty, and tech, the pop-up included interactive booths by brands like Boots, Depop, and Cosmopolitan. Visitors played claw machines, designed charms, tried AR-powered makeup mirrors, and even posed for an AR Cosmo cover. From free coffees at the Ghost Café to custom phone charms, Snap Street brought Snapchat’s virtual fun into the real world.
Shein Christmas Bus Tour, UK
Shein spread holiday cheer across the UK with its Christmas Bus Tour from December 5-15, 2024. A festive double-decker bus decked out in Shein’s fashion energy stopped in major cities, offering shoppers exclusive holiday collections and styling tips. Visitors also went home with freebies and photoshoots, making this tour a mobile winter wonderland.
Jellycat Fish & Chips Pop-Up, London
Jellycat charmed Londoners with a fish-and-chips-themed pop-up at Selfridges. Featuring retro-style decor, the pop-up sold plushies shaped like fish, fries, and other themed “trimmings” available only at the event. Fans snagged exclusive goodies like stickers, pins, and gift bags styled like newspapers. With appearances from fan-favorite characters like Timmy Turtle and the new Charlie Chip, it was a plushie-lover’s dream from start to finish.
Descente Ice Cube Pop-Up, Shanghai
Descente brought icy cool vibes to Shanghai with their Ice Cube pop-up, running alongside their physical store launch in September 2024. Focused on their outdoor gear, the pop-up featured digital projections, art installations, and snowy themes. Actor William Chan made an appearance, drawing crowds to experience Descente products that perfectly matched the pop-up’s frosty ambiance.
The RealReal, New York
The RealReal’s Canal Street installation turned heads in June 2024. Taking a bold stance on counterfeit goods, the display featured fake luxury bags seized during their authentication process. Visitors couldn’t shop here, but they could learn about the harmful impacts of counterfeit culture. Those who brought fake items for disposal could even win authentic luxury pieces.
Memo Paris' Grand Hotel Pop-Up, Seoul
Perfume lovers were transported to Parisian luxury with Memo Paris' Grand Hotel pop-up in Seoul. This whimsical space, open in October 2024, recreated the charm of a French-style hotel, complete with a lobby, concierge, and casino. Visitors received personalized check-in cards and collected stamps to unlock exclusive prizes, including perfumes and vouchers. The highlight? Sampling the Cappadocia Ode perfume in an elegant lounge setting, making it an unforgettable sensory escape.
Why 2024 Was All About Pop-Ups
From innovative marketing stunts like Snap Street to meaningful collaborations like Netflix’s charity shop, pop-ups dominated 2024 by blending creativity with purpose. These temporary, tactile experiences showed how brands could connect with audiences in memorable ways. Every pop-up was an event, an Instagram story, and for many, the highlight of the year.