What happened to Sook?
Former hourly pop-up space rental platform (ceased trading January 2024).
Overview
This guide expands on a common question Sook users ask — and shows how a Birmingham-first approach improves outcomes.
Key takeaways
No Long Forms. No Upfront Fees.
List your Birmingham venue in minutes. Free forever. No hidden charges.
We Handle Promo Kits & QR Packs
Every activation includes QR tracking, promotional materials, and redemption analytics.
Local Footfall & Revenue Focus
Birmingham & West Midlands specialist with BID partnerships and community-first approach.
Clear ROI Model (Halo/Media Value)
Track actual results: walk-ins, QR redemptions, social lift, and rebooking suggestions.
Quick Answer
Sook is a broad marketplace. Negotiables is local-first with BID ties, promo kits, and ROI tracking — built for Birmingham brands and venues seeking measurable outcomes. Sook has ceased trading, making Negotiables the active local-first alternative for Birmingham pop-ups.
Pricing Breakdown
Negotiables
Best Value- ✓West Midlands intro: free to list, 0% host commission to grow supply.
- ✓15% booking fee (£99 min)
- ✓Promo kits included
- ✓Measure what matters
- ✓1% to Neighbourhood Fund
- ✓Innovative hourly pricing model
- ✓Shopping center partnerships (Metrocentre, etc.)
- ✓Digital signage integration
Limitation: Ceased trading January 2024 (no longer operational)
See full Sook comparison →Sook at a glance
Strengths
- •Innovative hourly pricing model
- •Shopping center partnerships (Metrocentre, etc.)
- •Digital signage integration
- •Birmingham presence (historical)
Limitations
- •Ceased trading January 2024 (no longer operational)
- •Failed to secure follow-on investment
- •High operational costs (managed spaces vs. marketplace)
- •Cash flow issues despite innovation
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Negotiables | Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Status | ✅ Active & Growing | ❌ Ceased (Jan 2024) |
| Business Model | Sustainable marketplace | Operator model (unsustainable) |
| Birmingham Presence | ✅ Active | ❌ Closed |
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Negotiables if:
- •You're focused on Birmingham & West Midlands & UK
- •Budget is £200-5,000/month
- •You need people counter, samples given and 1-page results summary
- •You want faster matching via local relationships & bid ties.
- •You value 1% community dividend to local Neighbourhood Fund
Sook has ceased operations and is no longer accepting bookings. For active alternatives, see Negotiables or other platforms in this guide.
Common Questions
What happened to Sook?
Sook ceased trading in January 2024 after failing to secure additional investment. The company operated physical pop-up spaces (high costs) rather than a marketplace model, leading to unsustainable cash flow.
Where did Sook customers go?
Many former Sook venues and brands in Birmingham moved to Negotiables, which offers similar flexibility with added benefits: free listing, QR tracking, TEN licensing support, and community partnerships.
Final Verdict
Sook ceased trading in 2024, leaving a gap for historical reference only - service no longer available. Negotiables fills this with active Birmingham operations, promo kits included, and transparent pricing (15% + £99 min).
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FAQ
What happened to Sook?
Sook ceased trading in January 2024 after failing to secure additional investment. The company operated physical pop-up spaces (high costs) rather than a marketplace model, leading to unsustainable cash flow.
Ready to plan a measurable pop-up?
List your space or plan a brand activation with Negotiables.