Time to Revamp Your Market Stall for 2025

Is it time to update your market stall display?

A fresh look can boost in-person sales while leaving a lasting impression on new customers

As a maker in business, selling at markets and events is one of the best possible ways to showcase your products, engage with customers, and build your brand.

You could have the most wonderfully crafted items on the planet, but if your stall isn’t visually appealing, you might miss out on key opportunities.

Your stall display isn’t just a place to display your products – it’s your brand’s first impression, and it can make all the difference when it comes to attracting customers, stylists, wholesale buyers, and gallery curators.

But WTH do I know about stall display anyway? With a well-documented history of successful garage sales, though to multi-day design markets selling handmade products, Angela and I have been selling and participating in design and makers markets for almost 20 years. After our marketing roles at The Finders Keepers Market, we went on to mentor hundreds of makers in business, with many seeking our support and expertise on design market applications and of course stall design.

If you’re thinking about making a big impact in 2025, now is the ideal time to evaluate and revamp your stall display.

A well-organised, attractive stall can create a memorable shopping experience, encourage purchases, and set you apart from the competition.

Here’s how you can take your display to the next level in the new year, along with some examples from some of the best markets in Australia (or, if you’re asking us, the world).

1. Your Stall is Your Brand’s First Impression

Let’s face it: in the bustling environment of a market, your customers only have a few seconds to notice your stall and decide whether to stop and have a look. A clean, visually appealing and inviting stall that reflects your brand’s personality will grab shoppers attention. Whether you’re a jeweller, a textile artist, or a woodworker, your stall should be an extension of the quality and style of your creations. If your display looks overly cluttered, your branding is outdated, or your layout is uninviting, you risk potential customers walking right past without giving you and your products a second glance.

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Member Only Maker Session: Making the Most of Design Markets — Watch now

Start with your signage. Is your branding clear? Does your logo stand out and reflect the style of your products? A professional, eye-catching sign can set the tone for your entire stall and convey that your brand is high-quality, creative, and worth exploring. For example, you might opt for wooden signage if you’re a maker of handcrafted, rustic pieces, or a sleek metallic sign if your products are modern and minimalist. Choose a sign that is coherent with the overall aesthetic you want to communicate.

2. Create an Inviting Atmosphere

An inviting atmosphere isn’t just about how things look – it’s about how your stall makes people feel when they encounter it. A well-thought-out display can encourage shoppers to stop, browse, and even engage with you. A welcoming atmosphere might mean investing in some decorative elements that reflect the theme of your products; elements like soft lighting, a small plant or two, or using rugs or fabrics that complement your products.

Think about the customer. When they approach your stall, do they feel like they can easily see and touch the items on display? Avoid overcrowding your space – a cluttered display can overwhelm customers and make it difficult for them to focus on what’s important. Instead, leave appropriate room for your products to breathe, showcasing them in an organised and easy-to-navigate way. Remember, don’t make it too sparse or they’ll see everything you have on offer as they continue to walk right on past.

Remember, the goal is to make your stall feel approachable, so people will be keen to step in, check out your work, and chat with you about your process. When your display feels welcoming, you’re more likely to create a positive experience that customers will remember and return to.

3. Reflect Your Brand Identity

Your market stall is an opportunity to reinforce your brand identity, an essential for long-term business success. Everything from your display materials to the colours and fonts you use should tell the story of your brand. A cohesive, branded display helps solidify who you are and what you offer.

For example, if you run a sustainable fashion brand, make sure your stall reflects that ethos. Choose eco-friendly display options, such as op-shop finds, recycled wood or fabric, and highlight the sustainability aspect of your products. If your jewellery brand has a luxe vibe, perhaps you’d opt for sleek black velvet displays, soft lighting, and minimalistic signage to highlight your high-end pieces. Whatever your niche, your market stall should serve as a physical manifestation of your brand’s personality.

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Member Only Maker Session: Markets & Marketing — Watch now

4. Engage with the Experience

A great stall isn’t just about what’s on display – it’s about creating an experience for your customers. Add features that encourage interaction. Could you set up a demonstration area where people can watch you work? Or perhaps add a feature wall with a product timeline or display of how your items are made, so customers get a better understanding of your process. This not only makes your stall more engaging, but it can also turn a casual shopper into a more informed and invested customer.

Another great way to make your stall more interactive is by offering a small, fun giveaway or discount to people who sign up for your newsletter or follow you on social media. This encourages visitors to become part of your community, boosting both immediate sales and long-term customer engagement.

5. Stand Out from the Crowd

Markets are often crowded, and competition can be fierce. With so many stalls competing for attention, it’s vital to stand out. A fresh, appealing display can make your stall memorable and even attract wholesale buyers, stylists, and gallery owners who are always on the lookout for new talent and products.

Consider how you can differentiate yourself. Perhaps it’s a creative use of props, a custom-made display structure, or a particular style of lighting. Even a small, unexpected touch can make your stall stand out – consider items such as vintage crates or geometric shelving to create a striking visual effect that makes your products pop.

6. A Fresh Display Can Boost Sales

An attractive market stall display can ultimately help to boost your sales. A well-curated stall with a welcoming layout not only draws in customers but also encourages them to spend more time looking at your products. When everything is well-presented, your customers are more likely to feel confident in their purchase decisions. They’ll feel like they’re not just buying a product, but an experience – and when your stall is memorable, they’ll want to come back for more.

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If you haven’t given your market stall display a refresh in a while, now is a great time to have a think about how it’s going to look for all of your markets and events in 2025.

Of course, like pretty much everything in business, your stall design is not a static thing, as it requires experimentation, observation, learning and adapting. It’s really useful to investigate customer behaviour in real-time and use the information that you observe about certain behaviours to inform the choices you make in the future.

Remember, your market stall is more than just a place to sell your products – it’s your brand’s stage. Make sure your setup speaks volumes about the quality, creativity, and uniqueness of your work.

Related reading: What do I need in my Market Tool Kit? A Handy Checklist for Stallholders