RETAILERS are cashing in on the Christmas shopping rush by opening so-called 'pop-up shops' which will vanish after the festive season.

The trend is being taken up by everyone from large retailers such as Witney-based Past Times, which has opened more than 20 temporary shops across the country, to two Oxford artists who have reopened a Victorian shop in Summertown, just for Christmas.

The pop-up shop in the historic Twining building, called Flash in the Pan, will be open for a month from Saturday. It is the brainchild of jeweller Tess Blenkinsop and printmaker Susan Moxley, who have opened a Christmas pop-up shop each year since 2008.

“The idea is mainly to exhibit art and to entice people in. It's like an art gallery, but it's also somewhere you can buy Christmas gifts, from £1 to £2,000,” said Ms Blenkinsop.

The building has been empty since Ripples bathroom showroom moved out two years ago. It was originally a Victorian grocers, Twinings, and then a cycle shop. It is still owned by Sydney Denton, who ran the bike shop.

Last year, the pair's plans nearly crashed when their chosen venue, owned by the Corner Club in Turl Street, went into administration a week before the opening, and Oxford City Council helped them find a last-minute alternative.

But this year they believe they have the perfect venue. It is still empty partly because a planning application by Pizza Express was rejected in July, but letting agent Martin Conway, of Marriotts, said it was now under offer again.

Ms Blenkinsop said she knew the owner and had jumped at the opportunity. “I have had my eye on it for some time. We start looking for empty properties in September. It's absolutely beautiful, with a coloured cornucopia.”

They are co-operating with local businesses, including the Bookhouse, which is running a book-signing event in the shop on December 1, and Summertown Wine Cafe, which is organising tastings on December 14.

Customers can also make their own gifts at weekend workshops with artist Francesca Shakespeare.

Fay Webster, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, said pop-up shops were becoming more common, with HMV and Hamleys joining the trend.

“In the lead up to Christmas, retailers are looking for new ways to push up sales. Pop-up shops can help with this as they are around for a limited period and create a sense of urgency to buy.”

She added: “Advances in technology mean setting up and operating a pop-up is now much simpler and does not require a high level of capital. Pop-up shops look set to thrive as a new strategy for retailers looking to innovate in uncertain times.”

Flash in the Pan is open until December 23. Events include a cookery demonstration on December 8 and Winnie The Witch's Birthday Party on December 11.