# Character-Themed Tech Shops This Kakao Talk Popup in Seoul Featured Emoji-Inspired Art and Prizes By Jana Pijak | Published 2016-05-18 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kakao-talk References: [findingtheseoul](https://findingtheseoul.com/2015/02/07/kakao-pop-up-store-get-all-your-favorite-kakao-friends/) & [kakao](http://www.kakao.com/talk) Kakao Talk is a popular Korean messaging app that resonates with Millennial and Gen Z audiences. The platform is known for its adorable and animated emoticons -- the inspiration behind this fun [pop-up shop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blackpink-popup-store) that was open last year in Seoul. Resembling more of a toy shop rather than a tech kiosk, the pop-up featured oversized sculptures of familiar characters like Apeach, Muzi and Frodo and was home to emoticon-inspired figurines that visitors had a chance to take home. The Kakao Talk Seoul pop-up featured a slew of [collectible merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-marts) that was given away to lucky visitors and was an experiential retail space that targeted a young audience of mobile users. Those familiar with the messaging platform were able to experience emoticons in a real life setting while taking photos amidst the shop's whimsical retail displays. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Character-themed Tech Shops:** Opportunity for tech companies to create pop-up shops featuring collectible merchandise and experiential retail spaces targeting young mobile users. ### Where This Applies - **Messaging Apps:** Opportunity for messaging app companies to create character-themed pop-up shops that resonate with their Millennial and Gen Z audiences. - **Toy Industry:** Opportunity for toy companies to collaborate with tech companies to create character-themed collectible merchandise inspired by popular messaging app emoticons. - **Experiential Retail:** Opportunity for retailers to create immersive and whimsical retail spaces that offer unique experiences for customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Playful Toy-Inspired Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellycat-caf.md) - [Viral Collectible Toy Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-in-singapore.md) - [Experiential Alcohol Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheoreom-x-krush-somaek.md) - [Convenient Store-Themed Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lee-kum-kee.md) - [Playful Tech Accessory Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takashi-murakamis-flowers-bloom.md) - [Viral K-Beauty Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-of-glow-popup.md) - [Community Commerce Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktok-shop-uk.md) - [Personalized Animated Emojis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omoji.md) - [Playground-Inspired Tech Retail Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-playground.md)