Meet Stephen Brooks | Pop Up Retail Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I am sure if you asked 100 people this question you’d get 100 different answers. I put my success down to total and utter self belief, building great teams around me and carrying out everything with intention. I am a firm believer if it’s not bringing you joy why are you doing it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am in a very unique niche as a pop-up retail expert. Over the past 37 years I have worked in 57 different countries with a host of brands, landlords, and start ups advising and shaping there pop-up strategy and expansion plans, using this incredibly cost efficient route to market. Pop-up was seen as means than ends for many landlords, a way of generating income from dead or unused space, but as the landscape of retail has changed over the last couple of years pop ups have become font and centre for experiential retailing, driving footfall and providing much needed revenue. The Pop-up Retail Expert has developed a number of proven programs that can take an online retailer to in-line success, along with an established single site stores, growing its location base using a pop-up methodology. Pop-up also works for service based businesses as well, and lets not forget those businesses that are saddled with too much inventory either. Using a pop-up strategy is a great way to turn that stock into cash fast.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Chicago so here is what I would do. Saturday
Breakfast at any of the cool diners downtown, Yoke, Over Easy Cafe or Lula Cafe
Followed by The Architectural Boat Tour – along the river and then out into lake Michigan
Lunch at Doc B’s – always a good
Afternoon stroll around the city I always seem to discover something new when I do this
Hancock Tower for a cocktail and the best views of the city from all angles really breathtaking
Then take in some some Chicago cheer at Pippins one of my favorite Bars to hang out in before dinner at La Barolla

Sunday
Bruch at Bistromonic, – French inspired with great food and a Parisian atmosphere
Walk along the lake front – views boats people watching – the best way to spend a relaxing Sunday.
After brunch at Bistronomic your’ll not be hungry until dinner but I’m sure we have room for a glass of wine at the Lake Front Restaurant.
Dinner at Lux Bar Lively fun great food and good wines

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Richer Way – Julian Richer was one of the most impactful books for me starting out. David Holland and Paul Avins – Business mentors I worked with
Also my mother, who never understood why I wanted to be in business for myself and so did everything she could to discourage me, which only made me more determined to be successful

Website: www.thepopupexpert.com

Instagram: @theretailspecialist

Linkedin: StephenABrooks

Twitter: @popupexpert

Facebook: The Pop Up Retail Expert

Image Credits
All credits to The Pop Up Retail Expert