Bringing the Digital Marketplace to the Real World: Why I’m Looking for a Pop-Up Space

For years, I’ve been fascinated by the intersection of commerce, entertainment, and technology—how people buy and sell, how communities interact, and how the digital world is shaping the future of retail. Platforms like Whatnot and other live auction spaces have proven that people love the energy of live commerce, but there’s something missing: the physical connection to the experience.

That’s why I’m looking for a real location with real people—not just another basement-run livestream, but a dynamic, interactive space where online and offline selling merge into something new. I want to prove this out in a short-term pop-up.

The Vision: A New Kind of Marketplace

Imagine walking through a mall and seeing huge TVs in the windows, streaming a live auction happening in real-time. Inside, people are bringing in collectibles, old treasures, and unique items to be auctioned to a national audience. There’s energy, there’s movement, there’s interaction—both from the in-person visitors and from online buyers who are bidding live.

This isn’t just about selling—it’s about bringing the fun back into shopping. It’s about making the mall a place to be again, not just a backdrop for nostalgia. I believe a pop-up store that combines live online auctions with in-person experiences can prove that people want more than just an app; they want a place to go, a place to participate, and a place to be part of something bigger.

Why a Pop-Up?

I don’t need to sign a multi-year lease to know whether this idea has legs. Give me a month. If it works, great. If not, I’ve learned something valuable. But I truly believe that blending live online selling with a physical presence is a concept that could breathe new life into retail spaces, creating a unique synergy that benefits both the mall and the community.

What’s Next?

Right now, I’m actively looking for a space that fits the vision:

• Large windows for visibility
• High ceilings to create an open, energetic space
• A flexible lease that allows for a true short-term test

If you’re someone who understands that retail isn’t dead—it just needs reinvention, let’s talk. If you know of a location that could work, I’d love to hear from you.

This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a real business experiment with real people, real products, and real potential. And if it succeeds, maybe this is the future of retail—part digital, part physical, and 100% interactive.

Let’s build something new. Let’s prove it out.