Abstract

Purpose: Pop-up stores have emerged in the retail industry in recent years, offering consumers a new shopping experience for a limited time and location, and are used for a variety of purposes, including driving purchase behavior. In particular, they have become an important marketing tool among Gen MZ consumers who are quick to acquire information and sensitive to trends. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of pop-up store characteristics on the purchasing behavior of MZ consumers. Research design, data and methodology: Based on a qualitative research approach, the study analyzed successful pop-up stores in Korea to closely examine how the limited operating period and experience-oriented marketing strategy of pop-up stores affect the perceptual attitudes and purchase decision process of Generation MZ. Results: The results of the case study revealed that selling limited edition items, maximizing customer experience factors, and differentiated concepts are the main factors that positively influence the purchase behavior of Gen MZ consumers. These factors contribute to the enhanced purchasing behavior of Gen MZ, making pop-up stores an effective marketing strategy. Conclusions: Pop-up stores are more than just a sales space, but an important communication channel that can strengthen the emotional connection with Gen MZ and effectively communicate brand values. This study provides useful insights for brands and companies to develop marketing strategies for MZ.