My name is Gemma and I'm the Pop Up Shop events Manager for Surprizeshop.
π 25 Events a Month
During our busiest months of the year, we're attending 20β25 events a month, and sometimes even 2 or 3 events in one day! Throughout much of the spring/summer season, we have two pop-up teams out on the road at the same time, attending ladies' opens, coffee mornings, invitation days and more.
π Early Starts & The Setup Race
We're based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, but our Surprizeshop pop-ups take us all over the place β from Leicestershire to the South Coast and everywhere in between. There are plenty of early starts, usually leaving around 6:30β7:00 am, and we're always hoping we drive past somewhere that sells an iced coffee at the drive-through!
When we arrive at the golf club, it's straight into setup mode. We bring 4β5 rails of women's golf clothing, our huge accessories range and plenty of golf shoes too. Everyone knows their job setting up, and we're usually ready to go within 30-40 minutes.
ποΈ Retail Therapy After 18 Holes
It's always even better when the sun is shining, and we can set up outside. Then the fun part starts β shopping time and meeting so many of you throughout the day. The lady golfers love our pop-up shops as they always say there arenβt many places to get much women's golf wear and often comment on our bright and fun clothes for the season.
One of my favourite things about the pop-up events is chatting to everyone and meeting new people. Whether you've had a great round, a terrible round, or just need a little retail therapy after 18 holes, we're always happy to have a chat. Over the years we've met so many lovely customers, and it's always nice to put faces to names. Lots of our regular customers see us arrive and say, "Not you girls again!" before coming over for a catch-up and a browse.
π The Post-Event Dash & The Warehouse Wizards
We always have a 'working lunch' as it's all systems go throughout the day, and we're usually selling until around 3 pm, depending on the tee times. Luckily, packing up is always easier than setting up, and then we're back on the road home. If we're tackling the M25, the journey back can be a little unpredictable! The 'morning people' tend to do the driving there, while the 'afternoon people' take over for the journey home, so we always share the driving.
After a long day, we're normally back at the office around 5/6 pm. On the drive home, we're already working out what's sold so we can let the warehouse know what needs replenishing. Our amazing warehouse team usually have everything picked by the time we get back, ready for us to hang, price and restock for the next event.
π€οΈ Outsmarting the British Weather
We are always planning ahead. If rain is forecasted, we pack extra waterproof hats and rain accessories. If itβs a heatwave, we ensure the van is stocked with sun gloves and visors!
π Ready to Do It All Again
We load the van for the next event, and by the time we finally get home, it's often around 7/8 pm and we're very tired β but ready to do it all again the next day!
I'm really lucky to have such a great team with me at the events. We spend a lot of time together travelling up and down the country, and there's never a dull moment. The days are long and very physical, but getting to meet so many lovely women golfers and seeing everyone enjoy the Surprizeshop and Pure Golf collections makes it all worthwhile.
π₯ Book A Pop Up Event
Bring Surprizeshop to your fairway! Weβre booking up fast for the season so get in touch today to check our availability for your next invitation day or coffee morning.
