What Small Brands Can Learn from Camp Poosh at Coachella
Every spring, Coachella sets the stage for more than just music—it becomes a mecca for creative, high-impact pop-up experiences. This year, Camp Poosh was a standout. Curated by Kourtney Kardashian’s wellness brand and produced by XD Agency, the activation wasn’t just a photo-op playground for influencers—it was a masterclass in immersive, brand-aligned retail.
And guess what? There’s plenty you can learn from it as you prep for your own summer markets and pop-ups. Here’s how you can take the big-budget brilliance of Camp Poosh and make it work for your brand, and budget to elevate your brick and mortar or booth.
MORE THAN JUST PRODUCT
Camp Poosh’s collaborators didn’t simply line up products on shelves—they created experiences.
We’re talking about the DIY denim jacket workshop hosted by LOFT, the Sneaker Studio with Vans, and the Gloss Getaway station by Kerastase. These activations weren’t just fun—they were on-brand, perfectly tailored to their audience, and built to create not only lasting memories, but a bond between the customers and brands.
THE TAKEAWAY: Don’t just sell—invite interaction. Can your customers test your products? Personalize them? Snap a selfie while using them? Give them something to do, and you’ll give them something to remember.
Photo Credit: Poosh.com
INTENTIONAL HYPER-FOCUS
The brands at Camp Poosh didn’t bring everything.
They brought what mattered to the event’s audience: Conair’s classic hairbrushes, Kerastase’s Gloss Absolu product line, Van’s classic slip ons and backpacks. Each activation was curated with care, leaving irrelevant product behind and leaning hard into what resonated with the attendees audience’s demographic.
THE TAKEAWAY: Edit, edit, edit. You might not need your whole product line at a pop-up—just the right mix. What’s seasonally relevant? What’s trending with your audience? Research your audience, focus there and run with it.
Photo Credit: Poosh.com
THE FOMO FACTOR
Camp Poosh wasn’t just a vibe—it was a movement.
From branded sweatshirts to custom totes, people weren’t just visiting the activation; they were wearing the brand. That’s no accident. It’s brand identity at its boldest.
THE TAKEAWAY: Make it wearable. Think stickers, limited-edition merch, gift with purchase tote bags or something cute and collectible. Build the kind of brand people want to rep—and then give them the opportunity to do it. Find a way to brand every single touchpoint without screaming it in your customer’s faces. Start small but strategic. Think beyond your logo on a banner. Can you weave your brand’s personality into the fabric of your booth—literally? Use custom-printed fabrics, hand-lettered signage, or even a curated playlist that speaks your aesthetic. Use color, texture, and even scent to build a vibe that people remember.
Photo Credit: Poosh.com
HOW WOULD WE DO IT?
Our take on the Bondi Sands Sunny Kiosk:
We’d make every inch count with open shelving, vibrant crates, and curated accessories that not only complement our product but help tell a cohesive brand story. It’s all about creating a setting that feels intentional, immersive, and unmistakably you.
Shelving: Ikea Kiosk: Vertical Ledge Crates: Michaels
Our take on the Vans Stadium setup:
Take a page from Vans’ playbook and think vertically—use height to create visual interest and draw people in from afar. Top it off (literally) with a bold, on-brand umbrella to add personality and a pop of shade.
Tabletop stadium: Vertical Ledge | Nesting Tables: Vertical Ledge | Umbrella: Business & Pleasure
Our take on the Lemme Rest Stop:
We’d lead with our signature brand color and create a welcoming vibe by adding a cozy, on-brand rug and a small seating area just outside the booth—inviting passersby to linger, chat, and truly experience the brand. A little comfort goes a long way in turning a quick browse into a meaningful connection.
Chair: Ikea | Kiosks: Vertical Ledge | Rug: CM School Supply
Our take on Conair’s Pegboard:
With this display versatility is the name of the game. A simple pegboard display is budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and perfect for showing off a variety of products. Use hooks, shelves, or baskets to create levels, play with layout, and keep your display fresh throughout the season.
Kiosks: Vertical Ledge | Freestanding Pegboard: Vertical Ledge | Umbrella: Business & Pleasure
BIG BUDGET LOOK, SMALL BUSINESS FEEL
We get it—you’re not Camp Poosh (yet). But that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own memorable moments this summer. With a little creativity, thoughtful planning, and some clever design choices, you can build a pop-up that feels immersive, intentional, and totally aligned with your brand.
Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. Inside The Retail Playground, we help small business owners turn big ideas into real retail wins—with expert guidance, planning tools, brand-building challenges, and a community that’s got your back. Try it now with a free 14-day trial!
Because this summer is not just a season—it’s an opportunity.