Pop-up Showcase and Retail Opportunities
Pop-up Showcase and Retail Opportunities
Do you have a product, creative practice or business that you’re ready to put in front of real customers?
START UP can facilitate pop-up showcase and retail opportunities for student and graduate businesses.
These opportunities can help you:
- Test your offer - put your products or services in front of real audiences to gather feedback.
- Build your retail experience - develop your skills in presenting, pricing, selling and promoting your offer.
- Grow your brand - increase visibility and connect with new customers and audiences.
- Develop your business - use what you learn from the experience to refine your offer and inform your next steps.
How it works
Opportunities are reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on factors such as your offer, readiness, audience and the opportunity available. Our Start-up Consultants and Business Advisers can help you prepare and, where appropriate, connect you with relevant pop-up or retail opportunities across campus.
Interested? Speak to the START UP team about your business and we can explore whether there could be a suitable opportunity for you. If you are already working with a Start-up Consultant or Business Adviser, get in touch with them. If not, book an initial appointment via MyCareer to begin 1:1 support.
International Students: Students on a Student Visa cannot be self-employed or engage in business activity, including establishing a trading presence. You can still access START UP support to develop your ideas and explore your options. If you are considering trading or taking part in a commercial opportunity, check your visa conditions and seek advice from the University’s Visa team first.
Funding Support
Need funding to help develop your products or prepare for a retail opportunity?
You may be eligible for funding through Newcastle University, subject to eligibility, availability and the relevant application process:
- The Make It Happen Fund can provide funding of up to £500 through their Projects and Initiatives category, to support activities that help you develop your skill, experience and entrepreneurial activity.
- START UP Grant Funding can provide awards of up to £3,000 for more advanced business propositions and innovative products.
Please note: Funding is competitive and subject to the relevant criteria, availability and approval. Being eligible for funding does not guarantee an award.
Win a Pop-Up at John Lewis Newcastle
One student or graduate business will win the opportunity to showcase and sell their products at John Lewis Newcastle from 19-22 November 2026.
We’re looking for gift-based product businesses that are already launched and trading and are ready to put their products in front of a new audience.
The successful business will be put forward to John Lewis for a retail pop-up opportunity in their Newcastle store.
This is a chance to:
- Showcase your products to John Lewis customers
- Test your products in a high-footfall retail environment
- Build your brand and customer awareness
- Gain valuable experience of selling in a major department store
Who can apply?
You must:
- Be a current Newcastle University student or graduate within 2 years
- Have a gift-based product business that is already launched and trading
- Be registered in the UK as a business, sole trader or social enterprise
- Have public and product liability insurance in place, or be able to put appropriate cover in place before the opportunity
- Have a developed range of products that are sale-ready, professionally presented and suitable for a John Lewis customer audience
- Be able to meet the practical requirements of the pop-up opportunity, including providing your own displays and sufficient stock, marketing your pop-up and attending from 19-22 November 2026
Please note: John Lewis has a list of prohibited materials and products that are not eligible for this opportunity.John Lewis List of Prohibited Products and Materials.pdf
How it works
- Our open call will run from 1 October to 25 October 2026, and eligible applicants will be referred to meet with a Business Adviser as the applications come in
- A shortlist of applicants will be put forward to John Lewis by 2 November 2026
- John Lewis will select one business for this pop-up opportunity
- The business selected will be invited to a pre-pop-up induction with John Lewis on or before 5 November 2026
The final opportunity is subject to John Lewis approval and their requirements.
Ready to put your products in front of a new audience?
Before you enquire or apply
Before submitting any enquiries or applications for a pop-up retail or showcase opportunity, please read the following document carefully. This explains the terms and conditions that apply to all participation.
Pop-Up Showcase & Retail Opportunities Terms and Conditions.pdf - the full terms governing any showcase or retail pop-up opportunity in collaboration with START UP.
Speak to the START UP team if you have any questions by emailing startup@ncl.ac.uk or visiting us at our co-working space in King’s Gate, Level 1.
Lemon Rose Studios Pop-Up
Rebecca launched her first pop-up with us, selling live watercolour illustrations
It was great for exposure and increased sales especially on the pop up days but I have also had some more online orders since.