Mr Quiffy - The move-around pop-up

by Startacus Admin

As the UK enjoys the much anticipated return of the sun this week, ice-cream vans up and down the country are putting the pedal to the metal to make the most of the remaining days of Summer.

However one such van promises to be a an unexpected treat for style-conscious sun-seekers and a bitter disappointment for children seeking sweet refreshment - here's the scoop... (sorry I couldn't resist…)

Acclaimed designer Henry Holland of the popular House of Holland has taken to the streets in a super-cool revamped ice-cream van bringing his new and exclusive fashion designs to a number of high streets across the country.

The self proclaimed “Mr Quiffy” (so named for his signature hairdo) has taken one of Startacus' favourite phenomena, the popup shop, to a whole new level of quirkiness. Although to some this might seem like a rather shallow publicity stunt, and whilst we would probably never spend £150 on a pair of funky looking sunglasses, we do have to hand it to Mr Quiffy- it’s a rather clever idea!

By putting his popup shop on 4 wheels, Mr Quiffy has to some extent lessened the difficult make-or-break decision of where to locate and given himself the distinct advantage of being able to trade pretty much anywhere. Whilst most popup ventures will often find it difficult to stand out amongst the other high street stores there is not much chance you will walk past this one without checking it out - the van itself looks like it has driven straight out of an 80's dance video!

The psychedelic appearance complete with the slogan “mind that shopper”, matches perfectly with the stock which features an array of technicolour designs in everything from dresses and t-shirts to phone covers and ear-rings.

It’s clear that a huge amount of work and consideration has gone into making Mr Quiffy a reality and you clever clogs out there won't be surprised to know that it’s all tied in with a much larger marketing strategy - in fact House of Holland has just launched a brand spanking new e-commerce site! It's at this point that you begin to realise just how clever an idea this little ice-cream van is, as it’s given the brand the opportunity to gain national recognition. Word of its various outings have spread like wildfire and its fashions will soon be seen strutting down high streets the length and breadth of the country!

Whilst the designs certainly won't be to everyone's liking and some might take issue with spending 75 quid on a scarf,  there is no denying that Mr Quiffy’s popup ice-cream van fashion store is a brilliant marketing ploy and a genuinely innovative and original idea!

Mr Quiffy will be visiting a number of cities in the coming weeks so check out the website if you want to take a look!

We love our pop up stuff. If you do too, then you might be interested to read:

• Pop-up Shop turns Stop-up Shop!
• Sherston - The Popup Village
• Pop up inspiration - Propstore

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Published on: 26th August 2013