How do you get people off their phones and excited to shop in real life again?

Emily Schildt is the founder and CEO of Pop Up Grocer, the discovery destination created for curious shoppers and emerging brands that deserve to be found. She created Pop Up Grocer after years in CPG marketing where she saw incredible, new products get lost in overcrowded aisles and online or priced out by a broken system.

Pop Up Grocer started as 30-day pop ups across major cities. It has evolved into a store within a store (namely Nordstrom) and a permanent footprint, starting with the flagship in New York City and a second on the way. Emily shares what she has learned about reimaging IRL brand experiences with a concept the next actually wants to visit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✨ Why discovery drives demand and repeat in today’s experience-first marketplace

✨ What makes physical experiences memorable in ways digital can’t

✨ How community and brand storytelling strengthen consumer connection

✨ Why committing before you feel ready can be the fastest way forward

✨ A simple creativity practice to steal (hint: get out of your bubble, talk to six people)

A listen for anyone reimaging brand experiences and business models who wants to make discovery feel fun again.

Emily’s Creative Inspiration

Book: Why We Buy by Paco Underhill

Brand: Everything on PUG shelves

Beverage: Extra dirty martini

Song: She said she needs a pump up song