Timeless and Temporary

Christina Norsig
Founder/CEO, PopUpInsider.com
and eTableTop.com
New York City

Christina Norsig’s passion for design led her from the Fashion Institute of Technology, from which she graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in home products development & marketing, through a more than 20-year career selling luxury tabletop and decorative arts.

Norsig built a successful sales division at Rosenthal China, and managed its New York showroom and all press relations. In 2003 she launched eTableTop.com, which focuses on selling and educating customers about luxury dinnerware.

Norsig was one of the first to negotiate drop shipping and opened U.S. distribution of hard-to-find European dinnerware. She has designed and licensed her own collection of dinnerware to Oneida and written a monthly online column on tabletop and lifestyle trends for Hachette Filipacchi.

As the force behind PopUpInsider.com, a national online exchange for temporary retail real estate, Norsig’s mission is to connect property owners and potential pop-up tenants. She has produced eight pop-up shops in Manhattan, leading Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine to dub her “The Queen of Pop-Ups.”

Do you ever have trouble transitioning to customer mode when in a store because of what you do?
Yes. I’m always thinking about assortments, merchandising, store layout and customer service. I was in Gap this week, thinking that I don’t understand why they hang core merchandise below waist level. I was also thinking they’re missing “staple” merchandise like simple cotton pajamas. I take note when salespeople talk to each other and not customers. I often think about how owners would not like what they see at the customer level and ask myself why they aren’t more hands-on.

What one piece of advice would you give retailers?
Think “out of the box” and inspire your customers.

What’s currently motivating or inspiring you?
The thought that anything is possible.

What person has most influenced your career?
Ira Jacobson, founder of Brielle Galleries and author of “A Quest for Excellence: The Incredible Story of the Most Beautiful Store in the World.” He taught me about beautiful design and he valued me as an employee. He used to leave me books on high-end products to take home and study. I was transported to factories and countries around the globe. I would later visit those places as an adult working in the tabletop industry.

One thing you’d still like to accomplish personally or professionally?
Write a book that inspires.

You’ve been called the Queen of Pop-Ups — any other monikers?
Diva of dishes.

Are there any emerging retail trends you’re following particularly closely?
Customers at my last pop-up shop were using their iPhones to price compare. I feel that technology could extend to wish lists and even purchases.

What’s the future of social media as you see it?
It’s replacing many traditional forms of marketing and communication. I have to wonder if consumers will feel too vulnerable, too exposed and rebel against it.

Best advice you’ve received?
Do what you love.

Your Facebook profile lists a number of interests. Tell us about yoga and wine.
Yoga and great wine are relaxing. I like Pinot Noir and ice wines at the moment.

On your wish list?
A black Birkin bag.

Guilty pleasure?
Getting my hair done at Marie Robinson by Marie Robinson.

Your ride?
A blue 1974 Porsche 914.

Prized possession?
Russel Wright dinnerware from Andy Warhol’s collection.

Favorite spot to visit?
Apulia, Italy.

You can’t have enough…?
Black Sharpie ultra fine point 0.230 pens.