It’s more than a display. It’s an atmosphere.
I’m not an expert by any means, but I know what I’ve experienced—and what works for me.
After countless pop-ups and markets, I’ve learned that creating an experience that gently touches the senses makes all the difference. It’s those small, intentional details—the candle flickering softly, the carefully curated playlist, and the natural textures of linen and canvas—that invite people to pause, linger, and truly feel at home.
The kind of feeling that has visitors saying things like:
“It felt so warm in here.”
“It smells amazing.”
“Oh, that outfit is so cute!”
“I love how cozy and inviting everything feels.”
Those moments don’t happen by accident.
It’s not simply about having the high quality products or the prettiest setup (though I do care deeply about those things). It’s about creating a space that speaks to people on a deeper level—a space that feels different.
And here’s the secret: I design every pop-up experience around four of the five senses.
By intentionally weaving sight, smell, touch, and sound into each market, I craft a moment that lingers long after the shopping bag is tucked away. It’s a feeling that feels familiar yet fresh—a little like coming home.
Sight
The visual story is the first invitation.
At 12th and Hemlock, my racks line the perimeter of the booth, with a table down the center—creating an open, welcoming flow that feels like a boutique you can walk around and explore at your own pace.
I style new outfits regularly using fresh arrivals, thoughtfully curated around the season and upcoming events—so visitors can easily imagine pieces they’d wear to real moments in their lives.
Mannequins are changed often to reflect these looks, keeping the display feeling fresh, inspiring, and relevant.
Soft palettes of creams, blush, and muted tones are complemented by natural textures throughout the booth—linen and canvas display signs tied with delicate ribbons, and a linen tablecloth that adds a soft, airy touch. The overall feeling is calm and inviting, with every detail chosen to reflect warmth and femininity.
It’s a space where your eyes can rest and wander peacefully, making it easier for your mind to imagine, dream, and settle.
Smell
Scent is one of those subtle, powerful details that often goes unnoticed—until it’s missing.
From my own experience with 12th and Hemlock pop-ups, offering a variety of scents to explore has been a game changer. We feature twelve carefully selected perfumes, from comforting almond and vanilla to light cherry blossom and fresh white tea. This variety lets visitors find something that truly resonates with them, making the experience personal and memorable.
Locally-made candles flicker gently, filling the space with warm, inviting aromas reminiscent of freshly baked desserts—something that feels like home, calm, and comfort all at once.
For other vendors looking to elevate their pop-ups, I’ve found that scent can create an emotional connection that goes beyond products and displays. It invites people to pause, breathe, and stay a little longer—and that can make all the difference.
Touch
Touch brings the experience into the physical realm.
At 12th and Hemlock, I gently encourage visitors to touch, look, and try on pieces if they feel comfortable.
I invite you to try perfume on the wrist and feel the soft weave of linen or the gentle weight of the clothes. I make sure the clothes are accessible and easy to explore—because when you can touch something, it becomes easier to imagine it as part of your everyday life.
There’s a quiet intimacy in holding a piece in your hands. It’s often the first step toward believing it belongs to you.
When someone runs their fingers along a piece or picks up a candle to smell, the moment deepens. It becomes personal, real, and memorable—transforming a simple shopping trip into an experience.
Sound
The right music sets the tone quietly but powerfully.
There’s always a playlist playing softly in the background—not loud, not distracting—just enough to soften the edges and create calm.
At 12th and Hemlock, we listen to soft country music, coastal tunes, and indie melodies carefully curated to reflect the brand’s spirit—wild yet grounded, feminine with a little edge.
These songs feel timeless and warm, with a touch of whimsy—acoustic versions of familiar favorites—that invite people to slow down and be fully present.
I’ve noticed that when the soundtrack feels just right, conversations flow easier and smiles come more naturally.
Music has a quiet way of weaving itself into the moment, making the entire experience feel like a soft, welcoming embrace.
And that’s the secret.
I may not engage every single sense at every pop-up, but I always aim to awaken four of the five.
It’s never just about selling clothes—it’s about creating a space where people feel truly seen, safe, and a little more themselves.
When someone leaves not only with a new favorite piece but also with a quiet sense of calm or joy—that’s the real success.
Because a thoughtful pop-up doesn’t just show up.
It stays with you—like the gentle scent on your sweater or a soft song humming in your mind long after the day ends.
Fearlessly yours,
Abbey