Even after the pandemic, e-commerce continues to climb. Online sales accounted for 16.1% of total U.S. retail sales in 2024, and this share is expected to continue growing year over year. Today, 34% of shoppers make online purchases at least weekly, and 82% make online purchases at least monthly.
Yet brick-and-mortar isn’t going away. Nearly three out of four consumers (72%) still visit physical stores as part of their primary shopping. They come for what online can’t deliver: the chance to touch products, make personal choices, and enjoy the interaction of in-person shopping.
Reinventing the In-Store Experience
The National Retail Federation recently predicted that physical stores will see a “rebirth”. They noted that retail spaces are essential for customer acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty. Immersive in-store environments can boost sales by as much as 478%, depending on the specific strategy employed. In other words, the stores that thrive today focus on the experience, not just inventory.
That’s where temporary brand storytelling and modular displays come in. These tools can turn every square foot into a storytelling platform. At Phase 3, we’ve helped leading brands transform their environments into must-visit experiences that spark connection, inspire discovery, and fuel engagement.
Temporary Doesn't Mean Forgettable
Short-term activations using disruptive visual branding create urgency and excitement. Seasonal takeovers, campaign-specific graphics, and promotional collaborations generate both in-person buzz and social media attention.
The Benefits of Events
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Provides the flexibility and agility to respond to trends, with less investment
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Reinforces seasonal relevance in both peak and slower retail periods
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Creates shareable in-person moments that customers can amplify online.
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Gives the ability to tell a memorable story that connects customers to the brand
Want to know more about event planning for brand engagement? Check out our complete guide to strategic event planning here.
Collaborations and Mini Pop-Ups
Partnering with artists, influencers, or other brands injects freshness into a retail space. Mini pop-ups add novelty without requiring new real estate. The retailer and collaborators enhance the experience by interacting with their social media followers online.
Retail Pop-Up Examples
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A beverage brand sampling limited flavors inside a grocery chain
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A beauty retailer featuring monthly influencer-curated picks
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A tech brand demoing exclusive gear in a modular booth inside a department store
Fabletics Smiley NYC Dopamine Drop
Phase 3 collaborated with retail brand Fabletics on their Smiley NYC "Dopamine Drop" event. With floor-to-ceiling yellow smiley face graphics and a rewrapped sign, the New York City store became an Instagram-worthy destination that reinforced emotional branding and drove in-store traffic. There were immersive experiences including a graffiti wall, selfie station, branded refreshments, and mind-boosting freebies. Attendees were invited to explore, share, and shop. It's a good bet that the Dopamine Drop event brought a smile to each person's face long after the event day.
Want to learn more tips and tricks for successful brand pop-ups? Check out this article.
Modular Displays = Scalable Impact
Modular displays make activations like these easy to set up and maintain. Modular displays are different from traditional retail fixtures. They have interchangeable parts. This allows retailers to reuse, reconfigure, move, and refresh them for various campaigns.
Why Retailers Love Them
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Flexibility: Easily adapt layouts for new products or promotions.
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Consistency: Using the same system across locations guarantees visual and messaging consistency.
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Customization: Mix finishes, graphics, and materials to reflect brand identity
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Cost-effectiveness: Reduce frequent remodeling or updating fixtures expenses
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Versatility: Works for permanent stores, seasonal setups, and pop-ups.
Like the temporary sign wrap, oversize fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling graphics for the Fabletics event, a well-designed modular system draws customers in. It creates a dynamic and engaging shopping experience that tells a unique brand story. Whether launching a product line, rolling out seasonal messaging, planning an event, or managing multi-location campaigns, retailers can adapt the same modular system to fit each strategy.
Creating Reasons to Visit, Not Just Click
Today’s in-person shoppers want more than products on shelves. They’re looking for community and connection. Temporary activations give them reasons to walk in and enjoy:
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Exclusive product drops and information they can’t get online
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Sharable design elements that position them as active brand ambassadors
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Events and giveaways tied to in-person shopping
The Omnichannel Effect
Yet, the value of these experiences extends beyond the front door. Most shoppers use both online and in-person channels. In fact, 91% of consumers prefer brands that offer a seamless omnichannel experience. Retailers that link their brick-and-mortar with e-commerce see a 6.9% increase in sales thanks to this “halo effect” of omnichannel strategy.
How Phase 3 Helps Bring Brand Experiences to Life
From concept to execution, Phase 3 delivers:
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Print and Fabrication: Temporary signage, branded walls, and immersive modular displays
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Logistics and Install: Warehousing, kitting, and fast-turn rollouts
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Branded Merchandise and Apparel: Premium products to extend activations beyond the store
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Custom Sourcing: One-of-a-kind items to match your brand’s campaign
We've partnered with some of America's top retail, fashion, and consumer brands to create high-impact, unforgettable environments. Our team can turn retail spaces into real brand experiences. Whether it's a one-day pop-up, a seasonal campaign, or a nationwide store refresh, we know how to make it happen.
Make Your Space Work Harder for You
Your store is more than a sales floor – it's a stage for brand storytelling. With the right design, branding, and support, any retail environment can become a destination.
Ready to reimagine your retail space? Contact Phase 3 today to start building your next in-store experience.