Beyond the Vintage: POPPING Redefines the Antique Shop in BJ
As the saying goes “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, something that definitely applies when it comes to thrifting and antique hunting.
Luckily, there’s a big market for vintage treasures in Beijing, and there’s a relatively new shop near Dashilar that’s making antiquing a bit more hip. Called POPPING, the shop is spread out over two floors, the collection in POPPING changes regularly but one thing remains the same: to offer one-of-a-kind items for those on the lookout for curios.
Blink and you'll miss it, POPPING sits on a corner along Caochangsitiao
But POPPING doesn’t just stop at “new antique store”, they also specialize in items from local or China-based artists for sale, from the small such as fancy abstract mushroom pins to the large such as full-scale art prints.
POPPING aims to be the place to go to get something a bit more special than a run-of-the-mill Beijing gift for someone, with everything tailored right down to the perfumed bags and handmade wrapping paper which makes for an experience.
The shop is filled to the brim with a regularly changing colleciton of cuiros and oddities
To find out more about the shop, we spoke with Chiara Ye, a photographer and visual artist based out of Shanghai, who formulated POPPING with the help of her two business partners, Angel and Shadow.
Q
Hey Chiara, what’s poppin’ at POPPING?
A
Well, like my business partner Angel always says “anything can happen at POPPING”! It's the place of wonders. Every time you come, you will find a new POPPING. We have tons of beautiful objects; art pieces, vases, decorations, candles, fragrances, independent designer pieces, jewelry, and more.
All spread out between two bright and open floors
Q
So you and your two business partners are the brains behind Popping. Can you tell us a little more about them and yourself?
A
I grew up in Italy, moved to Beijing ten years ago, and now I live in Shanghai. Most people know me as a commercial photographer, but I’m also a creative director and visual artist. Probably most of your readers have seen some of my works like the iconic portraits found in Bottega’s restaurants or the interior pictures in Migas Mercado, and other Beijing restaurants still might have some of the food pictures I shot for them years ago.
In the past ten years, I’ve been helping brands sell their services or products by creating successful visual assets, and four years ago I started to think “why don’t I create something my own? Like a product or a brand.” So I pitched the idea to Angel, with whom I started a design studio called MIAU. I’m the creative director of POPPING; my job is to come up with the name for the concept (in this case POPPING), the storytelling, the design directions, like the logo, the style of the packaging, the interior design, our product line etc. managing our social media… everything related to the branding aspect.
At POPPING there's everything from trinkets to silverware
Angel plays a very important role, probably the most important in fact: she executes my ideas, follows up on the layout of the shop at any given time, the design, communication with the packaging suppliers, sourcing of the vintage pieces… Angel is a vintage expert, she has been collecting beautiful pieces from all her trips around the world (before Covid) from other vintage shops and auctions.
She has a vast knowledge of the different craft techniques, materials and historical backgrounds. In her own words: “I like medieval because when I visited various museums abroad, I was fascinated by the craftsmanship of craftsmen. As well as their dedication to art, I am full of admiration and respect, so I collected a lot of good works, and now, I also hope to share these good works with friends who sell beautiful things.”
To perfume, cologne, and candle holders by small brands and artists
Another important role is the sales and operation part, which is Shadow’s job. She used to own a retail shop years ago, so she’s very familiar with the customer experience and the daily management of the staff.
We love traveling, lifestyle and beautiful things that make our life better so we hope to share our passion with our customers.
Q
How did you come together and reach the idea for Popping? How do you all split the responsibilities for running the store?
A
I always loved the pop-up concept, every time is different and never the same. So full of creativity and freshness! So that’s why POPPING! The store itself is not temporary (we are permanent) but everything inside popping is temporary like every pop-up! POPPING is a pop-up space for creators, so everyone is welcome to sell their creations at POPPING.
As well as teacups and sake sets
After what happened in the past three years I’ve noticed some values have changed. Some people moved away from their busy lives in the city, and lots of wellness brands (gym, yoga, healthcare studios, etc.) opened up. People are more focused on the quality of life, their main focus is not only work work work or material abundance. On the street I see more independent design shops, the people around me are not only seeking things from big brands, they care more about the quality or the story behind them; they are looking for something special.
At POPPING we put everything we like, I love unique art, designs from unknown people and fragrances, Angel loves vintage, things that have a history and Shadow loves jewelry. I believe that having scents we like at home or beautiful objects can make the start of our day better and happier, our home is our temple and we have to treasure it.
Q
It’s interesting you chose Qianmen as a location, which is known for its historic and modern day creative bent. Did this have any say in the decision to locate there?
A
The shop is situated in one of the most beautiful hutongs in Beijing and we love the architecture of the shop.
And everything in between
Q
I noticed Popping takes great pride in their signature wrapping paper and packaging. What was the inspiration behind this and will you have anything special for the holiday?
A
Yes! This is my favorite part! Ever since I was little I’ve loved wrapping paper, because it means a surprise is coming! In Italy, every time we give a gift to someone we wrap it up in beautiful paper. In Parma, where I grew up, there was a massive paper shop (these shops were very popular in Italy ), where you could find any kind of paper of different material and different patterns, that was like Disneyland to me and I used to go there to buy all sort of ribbons, wrapping paper, you name it to wrap my presents.
They've recently set up a Christmas tree on the second floor to bring in some holiday spirit
Most of the retail shops in Italy will wrap your gift when needed, but in China I’ve noticed that most of the shops have their own gift packaging with the brand name of the product you purchased, so when you receive the gift there’s less “surprise” or “wow” effect as you kinda can already guess what you are receiving. So at POPPING we want to bring this “Christmas” feeling every time our guests are buying presents.
Most of our customers come to POPPING to buy presents as lots of things we have here cannot be found on Taobao. POPPING is very small, only 60 sqm, but in this little two storey building we have thousands of beautiful things, so everyone can find what they are looking for. Our youngest customer was eight years old! She was here on a school trip and came in to look for a small present for her mom. We have people that come here to buy wedding gifts as we have some luxury pieces. So I’d say it’s a gift shop for any age, purpose or budget.
As well as some other Christmas decoration
Q
Beyond the creative aspect of Popping, where do you source the items you sell in shop?
A
Basically everywhere, personal collection, other vintage shops, markets, artists and brand collaborations. We just launched our own candles, more POPPING creations will be sold online and at the shop.
Q
If someone isn’t in Beijing but still wants to check out what’s available in the shop or approach Popping for a project, how would one do so?
A
They can follow us on our RED or Instagram accounts. Just search PoppingStudio or add us on WeChat. We don’t have an online shop yet.
POPPING is currently holding a special Christmas promotion: purchase an item from a select list of 12 categories – one for each day – until Dec 25 and receive a free Christmas blind box!
POPPING
2 Caochanggsitiao, Dongcheng District
东城区草厂四条2号
Hours: 11am-7pm (Mon-Thurs), 11am-9pm (Fri-Sun)
Contact: 136 9106 7262
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Images: Uni You, courtesy of Chiara Ye