Renting Exhibition Space and Temporary Shops in Rome: A Practical Guide

In recent months, more and more brands—especially in the fashion, beauty, and food industries—have been asking us the same thing: a space in Rome to open a pop-up store or set up a small exhibition space for a few weeks. Not a traditional store, but something halfway between a storefront and an experience, designed to last for the duration of a campaign or a product launch.

Pop-up store and exhibition space: they’re not the same thing

The two formats are similar but serve different purposes. The pop-up shop is designed for direct sales, often tied to a limited-edition collection or a seasonal launch. The exhibition space Instead, it focuses more on the experience and communication: showrooms for the press, B2B presentations, and immersive installations where the product tells its own story rather than simply being sold.

What to Consider Before Renting

Before renting a space, it is important to consider certain factors based on the type of project. The area, for example, has a direct impact on location: the historic center and the Tridente district are particularly well-suited for retail businesses, while areas with a more industrial character may be better suited for showrooms and B2B events. For a pop-up shop, the presence of display cases and one good visibility from the street—factors that are less critical in the case of a private exhibition space or one accessible only by appointment. It is also necessary to verify that the contract allows for a flexible duration, generally ranging from two weeks to two or three months, and to consider any municipal permits required to install temporary signs or occupy public space.

The locations we work with in Rome for this type of project

Between Via del Corso, Monti, and Trastevere, Location Roma It manages several retail spaces and showrooms available for short-term leases, which have been used in the past by fashion and beauty brands for pop-up stores: street-facing storefronts for maximum visibility, as well as more private upper-floor spaces for by-appointment showrooms.

Are you considering opening a pop-up store in Rome?

Tell us about the project (duration, preferred area, type of product): Location Roma It offers you the most suitable venues and works with you to handle the permits and setup.