Appear Here's CASE STUDY

In an evolving retail landscape, the vision of transforming how brands and businesses engage with short-term retail spaces has found a pioneering platform in Appear Here. Founded in 2013, our company has revolutionized the commercial real estate sector by offering an innovative solution that merges technology with the age-old practice of renting prime retail spaces.

The Genesis of Appear Here

When we set out on this entrepreneurial journey, we sought to address a critical gap in the commercial real estate market. Businesses, especially emerging brands and pop-up ventures, struggled to find short-term, affordable retail spaces without the usual bureaucratic red tape. By creating Appear Here, we aimed to democratize access to retail spaces, providing a seamless platform that aligns with the prolific on-demand economy—a market predicted to grow dramatically, reaching $335 billion by 2025 (Freelancers Union).
Our headquarters in London became the nucleus of this disruptive journey. Recognized as a Digirati, we embraced a cutting-edge digital approach to streamline the often cumbersome process of leasing retail spaces. From our early days, we committed to a mission of making space accessible to everyone with a big idea, thus fostering a dynamic and stylish retail landscape.

A Unique Marketplace Model

Appear Here distinguishes itself through our technology-driven marketplace model. We've established an online platform that operates similarly to a hotel booking site but is tailored specifically for short-term retail spaces. This comparison isn't just a metaphor—the ease of our booking system has been a game-changer. Brands can now book spaces quickly and efficiently, reducing time and effort previously spent on scouting and negotiating leases.
By leveraging a multifaceted revenue model, we have ensured a sustainable business structure. Primarily, we generate income by charging landlords a service fee for listing their spaces. This fee covers the cost of creating detailed listings, including high-quality photos, descriptions, and robust location insights. Over 60% of our revenue comes from these landlord fees. On the tenant side, we charge a booking fee—a commission for effectively implementing the rental. Moreover, we offer premium services such as enhanced listing visibility and bespoke event planning assistance, adding further value and revenue streams (Financial Times).

Our Strategic Approach

What sets Appear Here apart is not just the Marketplace but the strategic alignment of our Key Activities and Key Resources. Our daily operations revolve around platform development, user experience enhancement, and building a strategic community of partners. By collaborating with landlords, city councils, real estate agencies, and marketing agencies, we create a robust ecosystem that supports our business model.
Our extensive database of available spaces serves as the backbone of our value proposition. It includes everything from high-foot-traffic locations on commercial high streets to unique, hidden gems. This diversity ensures that whether a brand is looking for a high-profile launch spot or a niche space for a pop-up event, Appear Here has an offering. "Our platform doesn't just list spaces; it creates communities," says Michael Gross, an expert in peer-to-peer marketplaces (HBR Interview, 2022).
Customer segments range from independent retailers to event organizers, each finding value in our flexible leasing options, customizable space solutions, and premium storefronts. Beyond just providing spaces, we offer a full-service support system that includes space consultations and event support, ensuring a high satisfaction level among both landlords and tenants.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Data analytics plays a critical role in our business strategy. By continuously analyzing market trends and customer feedback, we optimize our listings and enhance user experience. This data-driven approach has allowed us to reduce vacancies by 25% and increase tenant satisfaction scores by 40% over the last two years (TechCrunch).

Future Outlook and Growth

Our future ambitions are buoyed by a combination of innovation and strategic scaling. As we look forward, we plan to expand our geographic footprint beyond the UK and EU markets, targeting dynamic retail landscapes in the U.S. and Asia. In addition, we're exploring augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to offer virtual space tours, thereby enhancing the booking process further.
We also recognize the importance of fostering a community among our users. Encouragingly, 80% of our hosts and tenants engage with our personalized service tools and customer support chat, indicating a strong bond of trust and community engagement. Our social media interactions and exclusive member events further build this sense of belonging. As Scott Galloway, a marketing professor, notes, "Community is not a byproduct; it is an integral part of a successful marketplace strategy" (HBR Article, 2021).

Conclusion

In essence, Appear Here has not only disrupted but redefined the way short-term retail spaces are leased. By marrying technology with a keen understanding of market needs, we have created a platform that's as accessible as it is innovative. Our commitment to creating value for both landlords and tenants solidifies our spot as leaders in this niche yet rapidly expanding market.
By streamlining the rental process, reducing hassles, and connecting brands with their ideal spaces, Appear Here is at the forefront of a retail revolution, enabling businesses to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. As our journey continues, we remain committed to our core values of accessibility, community, and innovation.
And as we often say amongst ourselves, "The future of retail isn't just in spaces—it's in the vibrant, dynamic experiences we create within those spaces."
Stay tuned as we continue to transform the face of commercial real estate, one pop-up at a time.