Stall display that sells
A display that sells has height, clear groups of products and a visible price on everything. Build up from a covered table using stands and crates, keep your best sellers at eye level, and tidy the table through the day so it always looks full and cared for.
Build in levels
A flat table is hard to read. Use crates, stands or boxes under a cloth to create three levels: the back, the middle and the front. Taller items go at the back, so every product can be seen from the aisle.
Group products that go together
Group by use, colour or theme so customers can see a complete idea in one spot. A set of items arranged together invites people to pick up the whole set, which helps with upselling at a market stall.
Show every price
Customers who cannot see a price often walk on. Put a clear price on every product or group, in a size people can read from arm's length. GOV.UK publishes government guidance on the Price Marking Order, which sets out how prices should be shown to consumers, so read it if you sell goods to the public.
If you have a bundle or multi-buy offer, show the saving in the same style as the single prices.
Put best sellers at eye level
The area between waist and eye height is where people look first. Place your best sellers and your hero product there, and keep slower lines on the lower levels with a clear sign.
Make it easy to shop
Customers like to handle what they might buy. Leave a clear space on the table for them to pick up and put down items, and keep fragile items out of the way of bags and coats. A display that is easy to browse keeps people at the stall for longer, and longer visits give you more chances to talk to them.
Keep it full and tidy
A table with gaps looks sold out and a messy table looks neglected. Refill from stock behind the stall as you sell, and straighten items between customers. Look at the table every hour or so, move quick sellers forward and fix any gaps. Some traders photograph the display at the start of the day, so they can reset it to the same shape after a busy spell.
Light, colour and finish
- Use a plain or simple cloth so the products stand out.
- Keep colours consistent with your brand.
- Add a battery light if the event runs into the evening or the pitch is shaded.
- Use a printed banner or table front so the stall looks finished.
- Keep stock boxes out of sight under the table.
Frequently asked questions
How should I arrange products on a market stall table?
Build levels with stands or crates, group related items together, put best sellers at eye level and keep the front edge tidy.
Do I have to put prices on everything?
Traders selling to consumers should show prices clearly, and the GOV.UK Price Marking Order guidance explains the rules. A visible price also helps customers decide to buy.
How full should the table be?
Full enough to look abundant, with room for customers to handle items. Refill gaps as you sell.
What colour cloth works best?
A simple, plain colour that contrasts with your products. Choose one that suits your brand and hides marks.
Gazebos built for regular pitches
Once a pitch is confirmed, the stall needs to fit it. Gala Tent makes market stall gazebos for traders who set up week after week.
Useful pages on our sister sites
Event Industry Trader is published by Gala Tent. These pages from Gala Tent and the wider Gala group go further on the kit, branding and payments covered here.
Where to check the rules
- GOV.UK: Price Marking Order 2004 government guidance
- Wikipedia: visual merchandising
- Wikipedia: cross-selling
Rules vary by council and by event. Confirm requirements with the organiser and the relevant authority before you act.