Christmas Market Vendors Display Tips

Here are the basic tips for having a great and successful Christmas Market pop-up display. 
1. Know how much space you have, the size of your table, if that's what you are using, or how much space you are renting if you are bringing your own fixtures or tables.
2. Scout the facility, if you can ahead of time, or check online for previous markets to see how the space is set up with vendors in it. 
3. Light is LIFE.  Check out the lighting and find out if you can bring extra lighting for your products and any associated charges with that. (plan to take extensions cords and power bars) 
4. Backdrops:  A table cloth almost to the floor does several things.  (1) it creates a visual backdrop for everything that's set on it.  (2) It covers your storage bins and bags underneath out of sight. 
(3) It sets the mood for the theme of your pop-up and make sure it doesn't have a pattern that will compete with the features of your products.  Solid is usually better. 
5. Use Vertical Merchandising with risers, table top fixtures, and sign holders that are tall and hold up your merchandise or signs above the table.  I even used a chair on a table once on which to drape some fabrics and show off a feature display, which was more visible from the distance.
6.Categorize your products into colors, patterns, and styles, or shapes and sizes.  Color is the number one visual selling feature.  
7. Group and Space:  Leave space between different product groupings to avoid visual confusion. Separate patterns with solids if possible. Or place loose items in their own container, basket, or shallow bin with a sign attached. 
8. Packaging and Gift Wrap.  Make sure you have gift bags, ideally with your label on them, or customized. Have lots of tissue or packing material for safe transportation of delicate or breakable items. 
9. Promote yourself. Have your business cards and brochures on hand to tuck into each bag or just offer passersby.  If you do special order or custom work, have a sign, or brochures that detail that. 
10. Find out who is shopping.  This is done with a door prize.   Ask for enough information to find out where people are coming from... so at least their city or town should be listed and the way in which they would like to be contacted when they win.  
DO NOT SIT stagnant behind your table.  Sit on a stool or stand so you are at eye level with the shoppers.  Make eye contact. Smile and engage in social chit chat or begin to point out some features of your products, or services.  Or ask questions like, "Are you enjoying the show?  Do you come to this every year? Even resorting to commenting on the weather is a feel good moment. 

Don't forget... some shoppers will browse the entire show before they begin to shop and often come back around. 
Most of all give yourself enough planning and rest ahead of time so you feel excited and ready for the event.  Both setting up and taking down. Drink lots of fluids  and bring healthy non-sticky finger foods snacks to keep your energy up. 

---