High Fidelity
High Fidelity
High Fidelity
Temporary Store
Overview
A Temporary Store is a high-fidelity experiment that allows us to test real-world customer behaviour by creating a pop-up retail space. At Future Foundry, we use this method to assess whether customers are willing to engage with and purchase a product or service in a physical environment rather than relying on hypothetical feedback. Unlike surveys or digital campaigns, a Temporary Store provides face-to-face interactions, allowing us to observe customer reactions, objections, and purchase intent in real time. This test is particularly effective for B2C ventures but can also work for service-based experiences, direct-to-consumer brands, and high-touch sales processes. It’s a strong evidence-gathering tool because it moves beyond stated interest into real-world purchasing decisions, providing data on footfall, engagement, and conversion rates. However, it requires more investment than lower-fidelity tests, making it best suited for ventures that have already seen positive signals in earlier experiments.
A Temporary Store is a high-fidelity experiment that allows us to test real-world customer behaviour by creating a pop-up retail space. At Future Foundry, we use this method to assess whether customers are willing to engage with and purchase a product or service in a physical environment rather than relying on hypothetical feedback. Unlike surveys or digital campaigns, a Temporary Store provides face-to-face interactions, allowing us to observe customer reactions, objections, and purchase intent in real time. This test is particularly effective for B2C ventures but can also work for service-based experiences, direct-to-consumer brands, and high-touch sales processes. It’s a strong evidence-gathering tool because it moves beyond stated interest into real-world purchasing decisions, providing data on footfall, engagement, and conversion rates. However, it requires more investment than lower-fidelity tests, making it best suited for ventures that have already seen positive signals in earlier experiments.
A Temporary Store is a high-fidelity experiment that allows us to test real-world customer behaviour by creating a pop-up retail space. At Future Foundry, we use this method to assess whether customers are willing to engage with and purchase a product or service in a physical environment rather than relying on hypothetical feedback. Unlike surveys or digital campaigns, a Temporary Store provides face-to-face interactions, allowing us to observe customer reactions, objections, and purchase intent in real time. This test is particularly effective for B2C ventures but can also work for service-based experiences, direct-to-consumer brands, and high-touch sales processes. It’s a strong evidence-gathering tool because it moves beyond stated interest into real-world purchasing decisions, providing data on footfall, engagement, and conversion rates. However, it requires more investment than lower-fidelity tests, making it best suited for ventures that have already seen positive signals in earlier experiments.
Process
To run this experiment, we first secure a high-footfall location that aligns with the target audience, whether that’s a standalone space, a pop-up within an existing store, or an event booth at an industry gathering. The experience must feel professionally executed but lightweight, so we focus on setting up a compelling but minimal store layout that reflects the brand while keeping overheads low. Once the store is live, we track meaningful customer interactions—who stops by, who engages in conversation, and, most importantly, who expresses genuine purchase intent. While direct purchases are the strongest validation, we also capture email signups, reservations, and pre-orders to gauge deeper levels of interest. At the end of the test, we analyse customer purchase behaviour, objections, and feedback to refine pricing, messaging, and product positioning. If conversions are strong, it indicates a clear path to scaling. If they are weak, we adjust before moving forward with larger investments.
To run this experiment, we first secure a high-footfall location that aligns with the target audience, whether that’s a standalone space, a pop-up within an existing store, or an event booth at an industry gathering. The experience must feel professionally executed but lightweight, so we focus on setting up a compelling but minimal store layout that reflects the brand while keeping overheads low. Once the store is live, we track meaningful customer interactions—who stops by, who engages in conversation, and, most importantly, who expresses genuine purchase intent. While direct purchases are the strongest validation, we also capture email signups, reservations, and pre-orders to gauge deeper levels of interest. At the end of the test, we analyse customer purchase behaviour, objections, and feedback to refine pricing, messaging, and product positioning. If conversions are strong, it indicates a clear path to scaling. If they are weak, we adjust before moving forward with larger investments.
To run this experiment, we first secure a high-footfall location that aligns with the target audience, whether that’s a standalone space, a pop-up within an existing store, or an event booth at an industry gathering. The experience must feel professionally executed but lightweight, so we focus on setting up a compelling but minimal store layout that reflects the brand while keeping overheads low. Once the store is live, we track meaningful customer interactions—who stops by, who engages in conversation, and, most importantly, who expresses genuine purchase intent. While direct purchases are the strongest validation, we also capture email signups, reservations, and pre-orders to gauge deeper levels of interest. At the end of the test, we analyse customer purchase behaviour, objections, and feedback to refine pricing, messaging, and product positioning. If conversions are strong, it indicates a clear path to scaling. If they are weak, we adjust before moving forward with larger investments.
Requirements
Running a Temporary Store test requires securing a location, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring foot traffic aligns with the target audience. We also need a simple marketing strategy to drive awareness, including social media, local advertising, and strategic partnerships. The goal is to simulate a real buying environment while keeping costs manageable, allowing us to validate demand before making long-term retail commitments.
Running a Temporary Store test requires securing a location, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring foot traffic aligns with the target audience. We also need a simple marketing strategy to drive awareness, including social media, local advertising, and strategic partnerships. The goal is to simulate a real buying environment while keeping costs manageable, allowing us to validate demand before making long-term retail commitments.
Running a Temporary Store test requires securing a location, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring foot traffic aligns with the target audience. We also need a simple marketing strategy to drive awareness, including social media, local advertising, and strategic partnerships. The goal is to simulate a real buying environment while keeping costs manageable, allowing us to validate demand before making long-term retail commitments.
Discover other experiments
Explore more real-world experiments that have helped teams validate ideas, reduce risk, and accelerate innovation.
