'Pop-up' boutiques offer more than fashion

Last week, the Sheffield shopping centre became home to the We Are Dead Young boutique, which sold vintage clothing alongside knitting lessons and shows from live DJs.

Tomorrow, the Gorgeous Couture boutique will open its doors for four days, while Hox Boutique and Rakish Heels will be in the centre from Wednesday, June 16 to Sunday, June 20.

Nick Simcock, creative director of We are Dead Young, said: "Shopping is no longer merely about the material purchase.

"Consumers are now looking for a much wider experience, especially with the recession putting consumers in the mindset of needing to stretch their cash much further.

"What we have brought to Meadowhall is a creative hub, where shopping is just one element of what we have on offer and we are really excited to see how Yorkshire embraces this pioneering trend."

This is the first time pop-up boutiques have been staged at Meadowhall. Gorgeous Couture sells one-off red carpet dresses with a made-to-measure service, while UK womenswear label Hox offers a fusion of Asian and English materials and design.

Launched in February 2008 in Las Vegas, Rakish Heels sells shoes described as the "ultimate in luxury" which are "beautiful, bold and different from the norm."

Meadowhall's fashion and beauty expert Bethanie Lunn said: "What makes pop-up boutiques so popular is the limited period they are available for and the exclusivity of what is on offer, creating a 'get there before it's gone' feeling – especially amongst those hungry for an exhilarating shopping experience."