Fresh.Global.Iconic.Different
I first learned of Pop Up Plus after TCS co-founder Nikki attended an event and purchased a Jibri skirt for almost 70% off the retail price! Dolls, you already know I LOVE LOVE LOVE a bargain so this was a company that has been in my eyesight ever since. My first official purchase from Pop Up Plus was during FFFWeek 2012 and honestly, the total I paid for 3 clothing pieces was cheaper than the retail price of the chiffon maxi dress I purchased from them. Without saying, I definitely have made it my objective to say in touch with Camy and the happenings of Pop Up Plus. Check out our brief candid convo below to find out the latest from Pop Up Plus.
Camy, thanks for taking a moment to join in a candid convo with us about Pop Up Plus. Let’s get started.
TCS: What exactly is Pop Up Plus?
Pop Up Plus: Pop Up Plus is a mobile clothing store catering to sizes 14 and up. We travel throughout the country and set up flash boutiques. Our boutique generally carries limited edition pieces from a variety independent and international designers’ specializing in plus size apparel and accessories.
TCS: Pop Up Plus is a very interesting concept. How did you come up with it?
Pop Up Plus: I had always dreamed of owning and operating a plus size boutique. While working with Lane Bryant Corporate I discovered the untapped opportunity within the plus size business, however after doing my initial startup cost analysis, this dream would prove to be cost-prohibitive. In 2009, a “pop up store” had become the latest retail phenomenon. I decided that if it could be done for restaurants and retailers, why not for plus size. With my background in retail planning, buying and operations, Pop Up Plus opened its first pop up store in Williamsburg in 2010. We continue to be the only plus size pop up store operating in the United States.
TCS: How does the clothing selection process work?
Pop Up Plus: The Pop Up Plus collection is a carefully curated mix of trendy and edgy yet “ready to wear” clothing. We work hard to get a delicate balance of designers. Indie1 designers are often neglected in the main marketplace so we strive to represent the best in indie plus size clothing. We also highlight the best of established American designers and we are continuously on the hunt for international plus size brands. International plus size brands are generally ahead of the trend curve, so they bring freshness to our assortment giving us leverage over our competitors. It is important to Pop Up Plus to carry fashion forward apparel. We will not carry traditional suiting; we look for what is hot, and what is new, right now.
TCS: What is scheduled next for Pop Up Plus?
Pop Up Plus: We’re going to BOSTON! We will be at Gallery 263* on Saturday, Oct 27, 2012 and Sunday, Oct 28, 2012. We are working to assemble indie brands for our upcoming online shop. We are also scouring the market for the “it” items for spring 2013.
TCS: Is this your first event outside of NYC?
Pop Up Plus: Pop Up Plus has been to DC., Virginia, Philadelphia and now we are heading to Boston.
TCS: Do you have any surprise collections you can share with us?
Pop Up Plus: We do have a few collaborations coming up. We are in the process of working on partnerships with David Meister and Tahari.
1 Indie= Independent
2 Gallery 263 is conveniently located at 263 Pearl Street in Cambridge.
Registration of Pop Up Plus’ Boston boutique can be found done here.
