Apple will open a temporary store Friday in Austin, Texas, in the Scarbrough Building on Congress Avenue downtown, timed to the start of South by Southwest Interactive Conference and the release of the iPad 2 , reports the “American-Statesman” (http://macte.ch/al3hn).

Popup stores are a trend for retailers that want to unveil products or test a new location without committing to a permanent space. SXSW (http://sxsw.com/) features five days of presentations from experts in emerging technology, networking events hosted by industry leaders, the SXSW Trade Show and a line-up of special programs “showcasing the best new digital works, video games and innovative ideas the international community has to offer.”

On Wednesday, construction workers were busy retrofitting the 5,000-square-foot space in the building, at Congress and West Sixth Street, that Apple will lease for two weeks, says the “American-Statesman.” Black vinyl sheeting covered the windows fronting Congress. Apple has full-service stores in Barton Creek Square mall in Southwest Austin and at the Domain in North Austin.