My First Mobile Pop-Up Shop: Rolling Into Manzanita
Thinking about starting a pop-up shop, but don’t have a storefront? That was me⎯until I turned a secondhand TV hutch into a rolling pop-up shop for Perch + Paper. This past weekend, I put my DIY project to the test and took my mobile shop to Cloud & Leaf Bookstore in Manzanita, Oregon—and it was a hit!
From rolling my little shop down the street (yes, literally) to chatting with amazing customers, this experience showed me that small spaces can lead to big opportunities. If you’re curious about how my first pop-up went, read on for the full recap⎯including the unexpected sunshine, the speedy 15-minute setup, and my plans to make this a regular thing.
And if you missed the first part of this journey—where I transformed a hutch into a mobile pop-up shop—check out the DIY process here.
A Smooth Start to Pop-Up Day
Since I had prepped everything ahead of time (highly recommend), my morning was surprisingly relaxed. No last-minute scrambling—just a slow, easy start, a cup of coffee⎯good breakfast, and getting all my journals, prints, and paper goods tucked neatly into the drawers of my pop-up hutch. This way, nothing would rattle around while in transit (because rolling a tiny shop through town is already a spectacle⎯I didn’t need flying paper goods adding to the scene).
Luckily, my favorite (and only) husband was there to help me maneuver it down the driveway, around the corner, and across Laneda Avenue (aka Manzanita’s main drag). Let me tell you, wheeling a hutch across town is definitely an attention-grabber. People were definitely wondering what on earth we were up to—but hey, that’s part of the fun.
Katie from Perch + Paper rolling her mobile pop-up shop—a repurposed hutch—across Laneda Avenue in Manzanita, Oregon.
A Surprise Twist: The Sun Came Out!
I was bracing for a chilly, gray, very Oregon-coast kind of day, but the sun decided to show up just as we started rolling the shop down our driveway. And it stayed out for the rest of the afternoon! Considering it was the last Saturday of spring break, the timing couldn’t have been better.
Sure, my fingers got a little cold (because let’s be real, it was still March on the Oregon coast), but I was too busy chatting with customers, sipping my thermos of hot tea, and soaking in the sunshine to care.
A 15-Minute Setup & A Steady Crowd
Since I had already done a walk-through setup at home, it only took me 15 minutes to get the shop up and running once I arrived at Cloud & Leaf. I popped open the hutch, arranged my journals, prints, and postcards, and just like that⎯Perch + Paper was officially open for business. I was even able to share flowers from River City Flower Farm for the special day.
The crowd throughout the day was fantastic. I got to meet so many friendly faces—locals, tourists, and fellow book lovers—who stopped by to browse, chat, and support my small business. I loved hearing people’s excitement about the pop-up, and it reinforced something I already knew: Manzanita is the perfect place for a creative, small-town business.
Pop-Up Success: What’s Next?
This experience proved that I can absolutely make this a regular thing. Between Cloud & Leaf and my favorite grocery & deli, Wild Manzanita, I’ve got some great locations where Perch + Paper can pop up around town. The best part? I love the flexibility⎯of being able to set up shop in different spots and connect with different people each time.
If you’ve ever thought about starting a pop-up shop in your town, go for it. Even if you don’t have a traditional storefront, you’d be surprised at how much you can do with a little creativity, some DIY inspiration, and a community that supports small businesses.
Missed the Pop-Up? Shop Perch + Paper Online!
Couldn’t make it this time? No worries! You can shop Perch + Paper anytime online at perchandpaper.com.
And if you want to hear about future pop-ups, new products, and behind-the-scenes fun, be sure to join my email list⎯I promise it’s the best way to stay in the loop with all things Perch!
Thinking of Creating Your Own Pop-Up? Let’s Chat!
If you’re considering launching a pop-up shop (or just have questions about how I pulled mine together), send me a message! I’d love to share what worked, what I’d tweak for next time, and how you can make a small space into something big.
And in case you missed the full DIY transformation of my mobile shop… CHECK IT OUT! ⤵︎
Hi, I’m Katie and this is
Perch Handmade.
I’m a digital artist and teacher offering you a look into my creative adventure. Enjoy the ride!
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. I wouldn't promote them if I didn't believe in them wholeheartedly!
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