Popup Together Inc.

UX Research
UI Design
Development
Website
Web Application

Client

Industry

Services

UX Research
UI Design
Development
Website
Web Application

Years

01

Project Details

PopupTogether is a Canadian-based AI marketplace redefining the retail landscape by connecting brands with available retail spaces to create curated, short-term pop-up experiences. The platform uses intelligent algorithms to match compatible vendors with vacant commercial properties, helping landlords monetize empty locations while enabling brands to test markets quickly and affordably. PopupTogether brings innovation, data, and sustainability together to make the future of retail flexible, profitable, and experiential.

02

Project Problems

Traditional retail leasing models are rigid, expensive, and slow to adapt to modern consumer trends. Many landlords struggle with high vacancy rates, while small businesses lack the resources to secure long-term retail locations. At the same time, consumers crave novelty and experiential shopping, but there is no centralized digital ecosystem that connects landlords, vendors, and marketing analytics in one place. The industry needed a solution that could make retail space discovery and collaboration smarter, faster, and data-driven.

03

Project Challenges

The main challenge was developing a two-sided platform that balances the needs of landlords and vendors while using AI to automate matching and pricing decisions. The system needed to analyze property metrics, foot traffic data, and vendor compatibility while providing intuitive dashboards for non-technical users. Integrating real-time analytics, automated contract systems, and a multi-vendor booking process into a single smooth experience was key to achieving PopupTogether’s vision.

04

Project Solutions

We designed and built an AI-powered marketplace that brings together landlords, vendors, and consumers in one seamless ecosystem. PopupTogether’s proprietary matching engine analyzes location data, brand profiles, and demographic insights to recommend the best retail pairings. Anonymous Video Analytics (AVA) and integrated POS systems track performance, giving brands insights into sales and visitor behaviour. The platform automates short-term lease agreements, streamlines payments, and supports multi-brand collaborations within a single retail environment. By combining data intelligence with creative flexibility, PopupTogether transforms underutilized spaces into dynamic retail experiences that drive revenue and engagement.

05

Design Process

A structured approach to solving problems, combining research, ideation, prototyping, and testing to create user-centered solutions.

/01

01. Discover

We began by researching retail vacancy trends and interviewing both landlords and independent brands to understand their challenges. The discovery phase revealed a lack of transparency and automation in short-term leasing, highlighting the opportunity for a smarter, data-centric platform to connect both sides of the market.

02. Design

The design phase focused on building a modern, approachable interface that inspires trust among both property owners and vendors. Wireframes were structured around simplicity and visual clarity — allowing users to explore listings, track analytics, and manage bookings without friction. A warm yet professional colour palette reflected retail energy while maintaining a tech-driven aesthetic.

03. Develop

In collaboration with our engineering team, we developed a scalable MVP integrating AI-driven matching, smart contracts, and AVA analytics. The system architecture supported real-time search, automated vendor onboarding, and secure payment processing. Rigorous testing ensured that the user experience remained seamless across devices and transaction flows.

04. Deliver

The final MVP positioned PopupTogether as a pioneering AI retail platform ready for pilot launch in Toronto and Vancouver. The product enables brands to activate short-term retail spaces in days instead of months, helping landlords fill vacancies faster and generate new revenue streams. PopupTogether delivers a smarter, more collaborative way to bring retail to life — where data meets creativity in every pop-up.