Pop-Up Spotlight

Short-term retail can be a powerful catalyst for long-term success, and for the past seven years, the Pop-Up Project has proven exactly that. What began as a flexible leasing initiative has grown into a national platform supporting entrepreneurs, activating shopping centres, and turning great ideas into sustainable retail businesses.

From first-time makers testing the market to brands scaling into kiosks and in-line stores, the Pop-Up Project has helped businesses take meaningful steps forward, one pop-up at a time.

From First Weekend to a National Program

Since its launch, the Pop-Up Project has expanded across multiple Morguard shopping centres, formats, and provinces, creating opportunities for retailers at every stage of their journey.

By 2025, the program supported more than 1200 pop-ups across participating centres. That number alone represents real businesses gaining visibility, feedback, and confidence in a live retail environment.

Why Pop-Ups Work: A Proven Model for Growth

The success of the Pop-Up Project comes down to a simple but effective formula:

1. Low-Risk Market Entry

Short-term activations allow entrepreneurs to test their concept without the commitment of a long-term lease, making retail more accessible and less intimidating.

2. Built-In Flexibility

From weekend pop-ups to multi-week activations, the program adapts to different business needs, seasons, and shopping centres.

3. Real-Time Customer Validation

Pop-ups provide immediate insights into pricing, product mix, merchandising, and customer demand; data that’s hard to replicate online.

4. A Clear Pathway to Scale

Many pop-up retailers return for longer stays, expand into kiosks, or transition into inline locations after proving their concept.

Seven Years, Hundreds of Pop-Ups, Countless Success Stories

Over the past seven years, the Pop-Up Project has:

• Hosted hundreds of pop-ups nationwide
• Supported entrepreneurs across a wide range of categories, from fashion and food to art, beauty, and services
• Strengthened local communities by giving small businesses a platform inside established shopping centres

Each activation represents more than a temporary store; it’s a test, a learning opportunity, and often the first step toward something bigger.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of the Pop-Up Project

As the Pop-Up Project enters its next year, the focus remains the same: supporting entrepreneurs while keeping shopping centres dynamic, local, and relevant.

With seven years of proven results behind it, the Pop-Up Project is well-positioned to keep evolving alongside the businesses it supports.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs One Pop-Up at a Time

At Morguard Specialty Leasing, the Pop-Up Project is more than a program; it’s a commitment to growth, experimentation, and community. Whether it’s a first-ever weekend pop-up or the beginning of a long-term retail journey, we’re proud to help entrepreneurs take that next step.

Interested in launching your own pop-up or learning more about the program?
Connect with our Specialty Leasing team and discover how a short-term space can lead to long?term success.