The Complete Guide to Your Retail Site Selection
Are you a filmmaker in need of a brick-and-mortar store for a scene in your movie? Or maybe you're a small business owner looking for a sensational location close to public transit where you can set up a temporary retail space to boost your sales. Either way, we've got what you're looking for. From large venues like shopping centers and malls to smaller physical retail stores based in trendy neighborhoods, we've made it easier to access and book these locations for your needs.
The best part is that our listings cater to a wide variety of budgets. We have both premium locations and budget-friendly spaces that fit your vision and create a sweet spot for success. Explore inspiring listings on the user-friendly Giggster app and find retail locations that fulfill your purpose, whether it's for a new business or an upcoming creative project.
Retail Locations Curated by Giggster
We hand-pick every listing on our platform so you can rent spaces that look varied and functional at the same time. Whether you're filming or selling products, we have a space that fits. Your search results will highlight fabulous local stores, cafes, and open-plan lofts, along with locations like these:
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Industrial warehouses have open floor plans and massive spaces inside, making them ideal for retail events, such as trade shows or fairs. You can design the layout to your liking, so whether you're arranging product displays or setting up an immersive brand experience, it works.
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We have ready-made retail businesses with real products inside, but they can still be customized to your needs. These spaces are event- and production-friendly and can accommodate small to medium-sized shoots.
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You've seen those zombie or apocalyptic movies where the lead characters scramble into a convenience store to find the last supplies. Convenience stores are a popular, familiar setting in films and TV shows, and we have a couple of them that you can book easily on the Giggster app.
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If you need to set up a pop up shop, the patio of a restaurant is a good choice, especially if you're selling food products. There's already foot traffic, and the relaxing environment lets your target customers explore your products at their own pace.
Amazing Retail Locations Starting at Just $14 USD/hr
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Whether you need a minimalist space for a product launch or a big box store where you can film inside, you'll find diverse options that match your needs. All of our 10000 venues are carefully selected to give you the best spots, full of character and useful amenities.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster is much more than your average store locator app. We have a user-friendly interface that makes production-friendly locations, such as this STUDIO HOMME - Colourful & Bright Studio in Chinatown, easily accessible and bookable with just a few taps. Our listings are detailed, and you can message the venue hosts directly if you have any questions.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We understand that work days with filming schedules or potential retail pop ups can face roadblocks. That's why we offer free cancellations within 24 hours of receiving your confirmation, provided the booking was made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: We've got you covered beyond the booking. Take advantage of our optional damage and liability protection to safeguard both you and your host against unexpected incidents. We leave you to the Google Maps searches and the product displays, by taking care of the rest.
Choosing the Right Location for Filming or Setting Up a Retail Store
If you're setting up a temporary retail shop, you'll want a location that easily reaches your target audience (for example, your local community). If you need a retail shop for filming, you'll want it to look as authentic on camera as possible. Here at Giggster, we have locations that you can use for either purpose. Let's take a look at some of the commonly used ones.
Video Stores or GameStops – Nostalgic and Engaging. A video store is a nice, casual setting that adds a nostalgic energy to the scene in your film. Similarly, a video game store is also a pretty niche location. While these locations may seem difficult to find for filming purposes, we have them available at Giggster.
Cafes – Charming and Memorable. If you're selling food, a cafe would be the best location to set up a small retail booth. You won't be competing with the cafe's existing products if you're offering something a little different. The cafe's existing customer base would easily bring you many new customers.
Gas Stations – Surprisingly High-Traffic. Gas stations see a steady stream of people throughout the day, making them one of the most underrated locations for a retail activation. Set up your display where the foot traffic already flows and let the volume of daily visitors work in your favor. On another note, it's also a commonly used location in movies (the coin toss scene in No Country for Old Men), so we make it available for you to rent here.
Industrial Warehouses – Edgy and Expansive. If you're planning a large-scale retail pop up or a multi-brand event, an industrial warehouse is your best choice in terms of size and look. Moreover, you're free to design the space according to your event, because they're often flexible.
Big Box Retailers and Shopping Malls – Expansive and Shopper-Ready. When you want maximum exposure to consumers in buying mode, your best option would be big box retailers and shopping malls. These spaces offer unmatched foot traffic, ample room for large booths, and access to potential customers ready to spend.
Convenience Stores – Accessible and High-Traffic. Like a gas station, a convenience store puts you right where the people are. It has a familiar and non-intimidating atmosphere that makes it natural for customers to stop and take a look at what you're offering.
Essentials for a Retail
Before booking a space, there are a few elements to look for in a retail location to ensure it works in favor of your business or film shoot.
Does the space have the right layout for your setup? Think through your floor plan before you fall in love with a venue. You need enough room for product displays, customer flow, and staff movement. We recommend visiting the location in person because, sometimes, a space that looks big in photos can feel cramped once the tables and fixtures go in.
What does the lighting situation look like? Lighting is everything in retail. Warm artificial lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere. Check whether the venue's existing lighting works for your products, and find out whether you can bring in additional fixtures if needed. If filming, our retail locations are also production-ready, which means you're free to bring your lighting gear (but confirm with the location manager first).
Is the venue easy for your customers to access? A beautiful space means nothing if your audience can't get to it easily. Ideally, you should set up in a location that's easily accessed by the local community either by walking or public transportation—like a town proper or a business district. A location that's near neighboring stores or other businesses increases the chance of customers finding your pop up.
How to Plan a Retail Event
Putting up a temporary retail shop should benefit your business. For this to be successful, you'll need to plan every aspect carefully. Doing so will minimize your risk of losing profits.
Set Your Budget First – If you're in business, then you know that your money is precious. Create a budget early and allocate it to venue rental, decor, staffing, marketing, and logistics. Knowing your limits up front keeps you from overspending.
Define Your Goals and Audience – Are you boosting your product sales, increasing brand awareness, or launching something new? Identify what success looks like for your event and who you're trying to reach. Your goal will influence your venue choice and the atmosphere you want to create.
Plan Your Layout and Flow – It shouldn't be hard for your visitors to see your booth and your products. Even a small detail, such as how clearly your products are displayed on your booth, will affect customer engagement and, therefore, your sales.
Coordinate Logistics Early – Don't leave the practical stuff until the last minute. Confirm your load-in and load-out times with the host, arrange for any equipment rentals, brief your staff, and make sure you have a clear communication plan for the day. The smoother the logistics, the better the experience for everyone.
Know the Details: Retail Locations Hidden Costs
You may run into unexpected expenses if you don't account for everything up front. A little foresight and thought about critical decisions now will save you from a lot of stress later. It's worth thinking through everything (from required square footage to display lighting) before you finalize your budget.
Are there permit requirements for your next store event?
You may need permits for signage, outdoor setups, or amplified sound. Check local regulations early—permit fees and processing times can delay you if you leave them too late.
Decorations and branding materials can be expensive.
It's easy to underestimate how much it costs to make a booth feel on-brand. Signage, display fixtures, pamphlets, floral arrangements, and lighting accents all add up quickly. Include these in your budget from the start.
See if you need to hire more staff.
You think you're saving money by running your retail shop all by yourself, but being understaffed can turn potential customers off. Whether you're hiring temporary salespeople, security personnel, or event coordinators, make sure their salaries are included in your budget.
Plan a Successful Retail Event or Filming Session
The right venue will keep customers coming back for more. With unique spaces, flexible booking, and real platform protections, Giggster makes finding your perfect location the easy part. Check out the Giggster app today and find the nearest store locations in your city.
