If I had to think of one word to describe pop-up markets, it would be ‘FUN’.
I love pop-up markets in Dubai and Abu dhabi. They are so delightful and informal. I enjoy going to pop-up events because they bring out my inner child. They make me adventurous, curious and happy. I have never regretted the stuff that I buy at these markets. They are always unique and give more value for my money than mass-produced items. Some of the best gifts I have bought have been from pop-up markets.
Many people like me come to pop-up markets with an open mind to see what new treasures they can find. They are interested in finding new vendors and distinctive products. In other words, they are the kind of buyers that every vendor wants. They are looking for you.
This is why dear friend, I wanted to alert you to upcoming pop-up markets. They are a great way to put your products, services and talents out there.
Pop-up markets are great for you if you want to
- Attract interested and curious customers
- Want to try a store sales location
- Get exposure and publicity
- Make connections with other vendors and customers
- Interact with customers who delight in your goods
- Watch your items sell like hotcakes before your eyes
- Want to sell at a place where most visitors want to buy
- Want to be seen among the leading creators and vendors locally
- Become a part of the community
So let’s get started and explore the markets that are coming up. See you there!
ARTE Markets
ARTE stands for Artisans of the Emirates. It prides itself on being the largest pure handmade designer, fashion, art and craft market in the UAE. The ARTE pop up market Dubai also holds workshops at its events. Most of the ARTE events are on Saturdays.
ARTE AT MERCATO Saturday, November 19 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Mercato Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, is one of the most popular malls. Mercato has been popular among locals and tourists from around the world.
ARTE AT TIMES SQUARE CENTER Saturday, November 26 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, is a convenient shopping destination. It always hosts a good number of vendors of handmade items.
ARTE AT MERCATO Saturday, December 3 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
ARTE AT MERCATO Sunday, December 4 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
ARTE AT TIMES SQUARE CENTER Saturday, December 10 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
ARTE AT TIMES SQUARE CENTER Saturday, December 17 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ripe Market – (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
https://ripeevents.com/ripe-market/
The Ripe Market is a community-led market that supports home-based makers. Ripe Market has both indoor and outdoor events that are located in areas that are popular with the ex-pats and the locals. The market sees an average of 100 vendors at each event.
Outdoor Markets
Saturday & Sunday: Academy Park | Dubai Flagship Location @ 9 am-late
Last Sunday Of Every Month: Reform Social & Grill | Sustainable Popup Once Per Month @ 9 am – 7 pm
Every Saturday In November: Al Barari | Every Saturday @ 1 pm – 9 pm
Indoor Markets
Saturday Springs Souk | Every Saturday @ 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday Times Square Center | Every Sunday @ 10 am – 7 pm
Sustainable Living Market
https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_living_market_uae/
This market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Vendors offer handmade products such as Christmas items, macrame, soaps, home decor, skincare, hair care, toys, kids’ clothes, plants, fashion, custom art, accessories, thrifted items and more!
This pop up market Dubai allocates days that focus on the thrift and artist vendors.
Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ Atelier B, Alliance Française Dubai
Free entry and free parking.
Thrive Market
Thrive stands for The Hub for Retailers, Independent Vendors and Entrepreneurs. As the name indicates, this market covers a broad spectrum of vendors and creators. The Thrive pop-up market Dubai focuses on sustainable, ethical and environmental items.
The available products range from fashion, jewellery, home accessories, books, bakery goods, kids’ toys, art and pre-loved items.
You can find Thrive@Cedre, their location in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis.
They will also be @ Al Hamra Marina on the 10th and 11th of December in partnership with the Al Hamra Waterfront & Yacht Club.
Fixie Market
https://www.instagram.com/fixiemarket.dxb
This is a community market on Palm Jumeirah hosted by Fixie Cafe. It features arts, and crafts, home decor, fashion, skincare, accessories, jewellery, kids’ items and books.
This popup market Dubai is usually on Saturdays; you can get the latest dates on their Instagram page.
Not Just for Vegan Market
https://www.instagram.com/notjustforvegansmarket
This is UAE’s first vegan market that supports businesses that sell cruelty-free, sustainable, ethical, eco-friendly vegan products.
Their next date is @ the Al Hamra Waterfront on Saturday, November 26th 12 pm to 8 pm.
Tiny Bean Events
https://www.instagram.com/tinybeanevents
Tiny Bean Event’s Christmas Market gives you a holiday-themed market. Items featured include Christmas-themed products, gingerbread decorating and Christmas trees.
Dubai: Saturday 3rd December @ The Hillhouse Brasserie
Abu Dhabi: 26th November @ The Walk Andalus Al Seef Resort
Benefits of Pop-Up Markets
Here is another round-up of the benefits of a pop-up market shop:
- Lower rents than a ‘normal’ shop
- Low-risk and short term
- Opportunity to test the location and your products
- Raises brand awareness
- Builds connections and community
- Since the shops are short-term, there is more incentive for the buyer to buy immediately
- Creates a second income stream in addition to online sales
- Sell out old stock and test new products
Why wait? Take the plunge and book your space at the market that appeals to you the most. It is the easiest way to get your wonderful products and services out there.
Contact the market(s) of choice and book a stall today. It could be the first step you take towards growing your business to the next level.