3 IRL Brand Pop-Ups That Went Viral in the U.K.

From branded roller rinks to scavenger hunts, these three brands tapped into European Gen Z’s love for pop-ups and IRL experiences… 

  • Gen Z is drawn to memorable, shareable activations from brands, and freebies don’t hurt to grab their attention either
  • Brands win when they create playful, community-focused experiences—in the U.K., LEGO Play’s Pavilion and Doritos x Minecraft’s scavenger hunt created fun and rewarding activities
  • Pop-ups are still a way to build brand hype, like Starbucks’ roller rinks which created a must-share experience for Gen Z
Pop-ups aren’t just a passing fad for young Europeans—they’ve become one of the most exciting ways for brands to connect with young consumers IRL. YPulse’s Experiences report shows that 73% of 13-39-year-olds in Western Europe are interested in branded pop-up experiences, and that number is even higher among young adults. Since last year, young adults (18-24-year-olds) are +4pts more likely to say they’re interested in brand pop-ups, proving this gen is actively seeking out more unique ways to engage with brands beyond their screens. Outside of loving the brand itself, wanting free products, or using the experience to meet new people, the promise of doing something different sets these activations apart. Unlike traditional ads or even digital activations, pop-ups give them something tangible, memorable, and shareable—and in an era where everything competes for attention, that kind of experiential touchpoint is gold for brands.   Brands are leaning in by creating pop-ups that don’t just showcase products but build entire worlds. Sabrina Carpenter launched a London pop-up around her single “Manchild”...

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