This month it was great to be back at the London School of Trends, teaching this term’s student’s an Introduction into Visual Merchandising. The classes were part theory and part practical training, the theory side was taught at the North Acton campus, West London which gave us a good location to visit some inspiring retailers in Central London.

I focused upon the importance of the Pop Up Shop on my classes and how these spaces are now creating the best examples of experimental retail to a consumer audience who wants to be entertained through multiple sensory experiences whilst they are shopping within a physical space.

Our class visit to Selfridges, was a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience a Department store who has been pioneering in this field over the past three years. The Corner Shop, Selfridges Pop Up Space has created a following all of its own and creates constant newness and excitement for their customers every time we see this space relaunched, usually between every 4 – 8 weeks ) We were lucky to visit the first week of the just launched SKIMS Swim’s, the first-ever European Pop-Up experience. Bringing SKIMS Swim to Selfridges,in a space inspired by a Los Angeles poolside oasis. SKIMS Swim spans bikinis, swimsuits, poolside cover-ups and accessories.

The students loved experiencing the hospitality concept also in place for this exclusive Pop Up, where the brand welcomed customers to sit down within the window space and enjoy SKIMS branded ice cream !

All photos copyright of VMC.