COULD THIS BE YOUR NEXT STEP?
rEADY TO TEST YOUR IDEA?
Pop Up Hutt connects retail-ready concepts with available shopfronts, creating opportunities to test retail ideas, reach new customers and explore whether a permanent store could be the next step.
could your next tenant start with a pop up
Pop Up Hutt works with property owners and landlords to temporarily activate empty shopfronts with creative, community and business-led experiences.
It's a chance to showcase a space in a different way, create interest in the area and contribute to a city centre that feels active, welcoming and full of possibility.
We'll work with you to find activations that suit your space and ensure everything is managed appropriately.
What is pop up hutt?
Pop Up Hutt provides the opportunity to test your concept in the heart of Lower Hutt.
An online business ready to meet customers face-to-face? A local brand thinking about its first storefront? An established business curious about a new location?
It’s a chance to see how your products or service perform in a physical store, understand your customers, explore a new market, and find out whether a permanent retail space could be the next step for your business.
For property owners, it’s an opportunity to showcase vacant spaces, generate interest and help create pathways to future long-term tenancies.
Some shops may run for a few days. Others might stay for several weeks. Every opportunity depends on the business, the space ,and what both parties are looking to achieve.
That's part of the fun!
How it works
For activators
Pop Up Hutt is a chance to:
Test a physical retail presence
Reach new customers
Explore the Lower Hutt market
Understand whether a long-term shop could work for your business
You'll run your own business and cover any agreed occupancy costs.
For property owners
Pop Up Hutt helps showcase vacant spaces by connecting them with businesses looking to trial a retail or service concept.
It's an opportunity to activate your space and build connections with potential future tenants.
is pop up hutt right for you?
Pop Up Hutt is for people with an idea they'd like to test in the real world.
You'll need:
Something to sell, showcase or offer
A plan for how you'll use the space
People to help run it
A budget for occupancy and operating costs
Pop Up Hutt helps make connections between applicants and property owners. It does not provide ongoing rental subsidies or guarantee a space.
It doesn't need to be perfect.
It just needs to be worth trying.
We're looking for ideas that create interest, encourage people to explore and add something unique to the city centre.
We’ll help Make the Connection
We'll work alongside you to:
Connect you with a suitable space
Explore short-term opportunities to test your concept
Coordinate with property owners
Help navigate the practical details
Support promotion through the wider programme
We’ll help ideas and provide tips to promote your business
You bring the idea. We'll help open the door.
Testing a concept in a physical space can be daunting. Pop Up Hutt helps make it easier by facilitating connections with property owners and identifying opportunities for short-term trials.
Rather than committing to a multi-year lease from day one, you can use a pop-up to test demand, understand your customers and build confidence in your next steps.
You'll be responsible for operating your venture, including stock, staffing, displays, insurance and day-to-day management.
Most spaces will involve commercial terms agreed between you and the property owner. Lease, licence and occupancy costs vary depending on the property and duration.
Expressions of Interest for activations
We’re looking for creative ideas, passionate people and exciting activations to bring life to Lower Hutt.
Your Questions, Answered for ACTIVATIONS
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Businesses, online retailers, established shops, makers and creatives with products or services ready to sell and a clear plan for operating a customer-facing retail space.
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Pop Up Hutt does not provide funding for activations. However, we may provide support through access to space, advice, promotion, and or point you to where you may be able to access some funding.
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No. Spaces are limited and each activation needs to be matched with a suitable location. Submitting an EOI helps us understand your idea, requirement and preferred timing and budget.
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Requirements will depend on what you’re planning to do. Food, events, alcohol and some other activities may have additional requirements. We’ll help identify what needs to be considered, but businesses are responsible for meeting the requirements relevant to their activation.
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Generally no. Occupancy costs vary depending on the property, duration and terms agreed with the property owner. Pop Up Hutt facilitates connections and opportunities but does not provide ongoing rental subsidies.
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No. Many applicants sell online at markets or are looking to test their first physical retail presence.