Uncertain times call for uncertain measures. And really, what’s more uncertain than a temporary retail space erected out of thin air? That is in essence, the pop-up shop — a new way for designers and retailers to showcase their products to the battleworn consumer. Since the economic meltdown, pop-up shops have emerged as an international phenomenon, a way for retailers to promote themselves without having to commit to extended leases while creating unique and interactive spaces for the public. If this is the future of retail, then the future is now. Here are five pop-up shops that caught our eye in 2009:

Where The Wild Things Are Pop-Up Shop @ Space 15 Twenty

As a lead up to the film’s fall release, this shop opened in L.A and sold all things WTWTA, including t-shirts featuring illustrations by Geoff McFetridege, drawings, books, toys and stuffed animals. Even the film’s star Max Records could be seen running through the shop’s cinemtatic landscape, feeling right at home, naturally.

Poketo Pop-Up Shop @ Royal/T

This summer our good friends at Poketo launched their whimsical pop-up shop at L.A.’s Royal/T. Guests were treated to a storewide sale of 25% off on all Poketo items, while the first 50 received a free gift bag. Artmaking workshops with James Gulliver Hancock and APAK were highlights and proof that with some innovation, these things can extend beyond mere consumerism.

Reference Library x Apartamento Magazine: Everyday Life Objects Pop-Up Shop @ Milan Design Week

This collaboration between popular design blog, Reference Library, and the creative folks at Apartamento Magazine yielded the perfect amuse bouche to Milan Design Week; an ecclectic mix of nics and nacs including hot air balloons in candy colors by Bertjan Pot, and designs by the NYC studio Rich, Brilliant, Willing and clothing by New York-favourite Slow and Steady Wins The Race. The true spirit of a pop-up shop, embodied.

Save Fashion Pop-up Shop @ NYC Port Authority

Sponsored and curated by Refinery29, the Save Fashion pop-up shop in May had no problems with traffic, even located in the always bustling Port Authority Bus Terminal in the heart of Manhattan. The impressive lineup was heavy on the indie and heavier on the discounts, while featuring labels like Alex + Chloe, BBlessing, Rag & Bone, and Corduroy friends Steven Alan, and Charlotte Ronson. After a successful fall run in SoHo, Save Fashion is on its way to becoming a New York institution.

Phaidon Pop-Up Shop @ 100 Wooster

The only one on this list that’s still open, this 2,5000 square-foot space is filled with Phaidon’s famous Wallpaper* City Guides and cookbooks, award-winning children’s books and stationery, and collector’s editions on Nobuyoshi Araki, Nan Goldin, Martin Parr and Luc Tuymans to name a few.

-Daniel Barna