Pop-up shops pop up in Downtown Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Since holiday shopping is in full swing, a new kind of retailer will be popping up in Downtown Austin beginning Thursday.

They're called pop-up shops.

At 910 Congress Ave., the Congress Collective Pop Up Shop will open Thursday morning -- but only for two days. They will sell jewelry and other artistic products.

It's all part of a new permitting process approved by the City Council last month that allows retailers to get a prime spot in Downtown Austin without having to sign a long-term lease.

It gives property owners a chance to get some rental income while they look for a long-term lease.

Still, there are some restrictions to these new rules.

• For instance, the space can't be larger than 12,000 square feet -- unless there are plenty of sprinklers.
• No personal services, such as massages.
• Food can't be prepared, and retailers cannot sell or drink liquor on the premises.

"I love pop-up shops. I think it gives them an idea for the area, and hopefully they'll stay afterwards," said Davina Hirsh, with Langford Market.

Pop-ups will be able to apply for a total of a two 45-day periods.

However, the overall goal is to turn enough of a profit so that the business will end up signing a long-term lease.