# NextMe Helps Popular KPOP Brand Blend Art, Retail, and Fandom

> NextMe helped KPOPMERCH power a character pop-up event blending art, retail, and fandom to create a unique and interactive experience.

Source: https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/kpopmerch/

![Fans lined up along a tree-lined Chicago sidewalk for the PPULBATU pop-up, with staff checking them in on a tablet](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/fans-lined-up-on-street.iB_kW_q2_27LxRi.webp)

[Case studies](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/) · [Events](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/?industry=events)

[KPOPMERCH](https://kpopmerch.com/), a leading provider of exclusive merchandise for KPOP fans, collaborated with NextMe to enhance their latest pop-up event experience. [PPULBATU](https://www.instagram.com/ppulbatu/?hl=en), a TXT (Tomorrow X Together) character pop-up event in East Lakeview, Chicago, blended art, retail, and fandom to create a unique and interactive experience. Fans enjoyed photo opportunities, limited-edition merchandise, and activities designed to foster a closer connection to the group.

![KPOPMERCH](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/kpopmerch.Cu-3WzIv_2j3VNU.webp)

-   **KPOPMERCH** Client
-   **Events** Industry
-   **September 22, 2026** Updated

Key outcomes

-   **300%** increase in customer intake speed
-   **28%** increase in retail throughput
-   **2 hours** saved per fan

## The challenge

-   **Long lines.** The high demand for PPULBATU’s exclusive experiences led to long queues, creating frustration for attendees and potential loss of business for nearby retailers.
-   **Inefficient wait time management.** KPOPMERCH struggled to accurately manage wait times and provide attendees with real-time updates about their position in line.
-   **Missed opportunities for engagement.** While waiting, fans lacked opportunities to engage with the local community, missing out on nearby retail promotions and experiences.

![The PPULBATU pop-up storefront in East Lakeview, Chicago, its windows decorated with TXT characters](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/ppulbatu-storefront.B5RaJ9wi_WGGmk.webp)

## The solution

-   **Introduce QR codes for seamless [self check-in](https://nextmeapp.com/self-check-in/).** Attendees could easily scan a QR code to join the virtual waitlist, simplifying the check-in process and reducing manual errors.
-   **Engage with fans through the [virtual waiting room](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/).** Fans received real-time updates about their wait position and were exposed to promotions from local businesses, turning idle time into an opportunity to explore East Lakeview’s offerings.
-   **Communicate with automated SMS notifications.** Attendees were reminded of their check-in status and notified when it was their turn, enhancing the overall event experience and ensuring no one missed their slot.

![The PPULBATU WARI WARI virtual waiting room showing a fan 7th in line, with an illustrated map of the neighborhood](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/branded-virtual-waiting-room.CnnplCZm_ZR1gGW.webp)

## The results

-   **300% increase in customer intake speed.** Streamlined check-ins allowed KPOPMERCH to handle more attendees efficiently.
-   **2 hours saved per fan.** Attendees spent less time standing in line and more time engaging with the event and the local community.
-   **28% increase in retail throughput.** Faster and more organized wait management drove increased sales and event participation.

## More event case studies

-   [NextMe Powers the Visit Anaheim Gifting Suite at Connect Marketplace with Cultivate](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/visit-anaheim/) — Events · NextMe ran the Visit Anaheim gifting suite at Connect Marketplace, serving over 900 hosted buyers with 84% retention and turning the wait into brand time.
    
-   [NextMe Powers the Virtual Queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/the-shop-at-fanatics-fest/) — Events · See how NextMe ran the virtual queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, giving nearly 800 fans their festival time back while staying engaged.
    
-   [How Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago Managed 4,600+ Guests at the World’s Largest Grand Opening](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/hello-kitty-cafe-chicago/) — Events · When Chicago police threatened to shut down the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe grand opening, NextMe’s hybrid queue moved 4,600+ guests off the sidewalk.