The research was conducted by mobile network EE and the Centre for Economics and Business Research. It also showed that an estimated 23,400 people are employed in nearly 10,000 pop-ups, and pop-up retailers currently contribute £2.1bn to the UK economy.
Richard Lim, head of business information at the British Retail Consortium, said: "These figures demonstrate the important role pop-up retail is playing in the UK economy, but we’re only at the beginning of this pop-up revolution.
"The novel use of these temporary spaces showcases the innovative nature of UK retail which continues to adapt to consumer demands and structural changes occurring throughout the industry. "
The report also explores how the growth can be encouraged further, concluding that double-digit growth could be achieved with the removal of retailing barriers. These include lack of flexible short-term contracts, lack of flexible space, obstructive business rates and rents and lack of access to technology.
To combat the latter problem, EE has announced a partnership with the British Retail Consortium, pop-up space marketplace Appear Here and a range of pop-up entrepreneurs. The Pop-Up UK mission will aim to help 3,000 would-be business owners to set up pop-ups in the next three years.
Headed by Appear Here’s chief executive, Ross Bailey, and EE’s director of small business, Mike Tomlinson, the campaign includes a ‘how to start a pop-up shop' guide, a 4G pop-up bundle offer that includes temporary contracts, a mentoring system and dedicated EE support.
Bailey said: "Pop-ups are the future of retail, and this campaign goes a long way to helping remove the barriers pop-ups are facing every day. Whether you’re a major retailer that wants to try out a new product line or just one person with a great idea – setting up a pop-up should be as easy as possible.
"This new Pop-Up UK campaign helps remove technological barriers plus helps connect entrepreneurs with their ideal pop-ups locations. However, there’s much more support needed to help pop-ups achieve their true potential, particularly from the government."
Tomlinson added: "Small businesses, and pop-ups in particular, face massive barriers and we’ve launched Pop-Up UK to stoke the fire under Britain’s pop-up retail economy. We’ve worked with a wide range of pop-up entrepreneurs to understand how we can help them achieve their goals."
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