What: Komet, an 18 square meter showroom space in Rennes, France, with no checkout or salesperson, offers the opportunity to try on clothes autonomously and to make an independent purchase.

Why is it important: Komet is a solo shopping pop-up that was inspired as a response to the change in consumer behavior induced by the pandemic, which has dissuaded many from going into crowded traditional stores.

Furnished with armchairs and rugs (which are also for sale), customers can leave directly with a product that they like, and even wear it immediately, or order to receive it at home. The space has a reserve that can accommodate 400 to 500 items. The first brand to test the Komet was Noliju a sportswear brand, then Champ Blanc; Pile ou Face and Cul & Chemises followed it for a month each.

To be able to benefit from a 15 to 45-minute session in the pop-up, interested consumers must reserve a slot via a dedicated application, which includes the payment stage. Once inside they can try on clothes listed on a "connected" clothes rack that signals if the article is placed back in its place or if it has been placed in the customer's virtual basket. During this test phase, the founders replenish the pop-up according to purchases made, which are notified through the store application.

A second version of the pop-up is in preparation. The structure will be a 20-foot shipping container, equipped with solar panels to ensure its independent energy. The founders are in contact with other shopping centers to install their pop-up solution and hopefully multiply these mini-shops all over France, before targeting other European countries.

Komet, a cashier-less mini shop