Have you ever given much thought to your market stall location? If you haven’t, you probably should and here’s why
Your market stall location can significantly impact your daily sales, so it’s smart to keep an eye out when picking a spot. Bear in mind, though, that you might not always get to choose your stall’s location since market organisers might assign spots based on a category plan, or it could just be a ‘first come, first served’ deal or more established vendors get preference.
However, if you do have a say, aim for a place with lots of foot traffic. The goal here is to really make the most of high exposure spots when people haven’t spent their money yet.
Foot traffic analysis
Understanding the flow of customer foot traffic within a market is important for choosing the best stall location and can give your stall an extra advantage. Consider where customers enter the market from, where they typically move, and congergate. Some markets are set up in a rectangular patterns so customers follow a straightforward direction.Other markets have multiple entrances, so it’s a bit more spread out.
Observing these patterns over time or at different times of the day can reveal hotspots where foot traffic is densest, such as near entrances, main walkways, or popular stands. Ientifying quieter areas can be beneficial for vendors seeking a more laid-back environment or those targeting customers who prefer to browse away from the crowd.
Market Entrance – Prime Market Stall Location
A prime location is right at the market entrance. It’s an excellent way to grab visitors before they’ve spent their cash. If there’s only one entrance, you’re in luck because you’ll catch people both coming and going. Though they might have less cash on hand by the end, you’re still in a good position for those last-minute impulse buys.
Now, to contradict what I just wrote, some might say the entrance has its risks, as people may wait to see the entire market before parting with cash. This is particularly true for families with kids. I hear it all the time with parents telling their kids to wait till they see other stalls to make up their minds about what they spend their pocket money on. Often, they come back, but there is a chance that they may not.
The Restrooms
Setting up shop near the restrooms is also a smart move. It’s an easy way to catch the eye of people on a bathroom break. Think about it. How often do you visit the restrooms when you are out and about?
The ATM
With most people carrying cards these days, it’s easy to forget that cash is still king at many stalls. So, being near an ATM could work wonders for you, pulling in a stream of potential customers needing to withdraw cash.
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Piggy Back off food trucks
And who can resist a bite to eat at a market? Stationing your non-food stall near busy food outlets or cafés can net you some excellent exposure. Hot chips will always be a favourite at any market and can be a great location to set up your stall.
Another good market stall location perk
Another perk of choosing your market stall location wisely is that it makes it easier to communicate to people where you are located. For instance, you could mention on your business card that your stall is right opposite the ATM or the entrance.
Don’t underestimate the importance of this. When you advertise via social media that you will be attending a market, it can be tricky for your social followers to find you when there are another 100 stalls at that same market. It becomes inherently easier when you can tell your followers to find you near the entrance or another essential service. Often, markets have signage for things like an ATM or the bathrooms, which makes it easier to find you
Consider competitor proximity – Are your competitos too close?
Setting up your stall near vendors selling similar products can be a double-edged sword . There are pros and cons. On the one hand, being placed near similar businesses can attract more foot traffic from your target customer. The downside, however, is that it may evoke a price war, which may force you to drop your pricing more than your profit margin really allows.
I was a vendor at a market one year and was placed directly opposite a stall selling the same products – different style but same product. As they mass bought their products in the container load, they could offer a much cheaper price than I could. I still turned a profit, but it was much less than I would have made if my competitor wasn’t directly opposite me.
Location consistency is key
Where possible, always try to secure the same spot at a regular market. This makes it easier for regulars to find you and helps with any word-of-mouth referrals you may get.
You may not get your preferred market stall location, or you may not even be given a choice. However, by doing your due diligence, it gives you an advantage with market organisers to try and secure a preferred location. For example, if you sell kids products, asking the market organisers to be located near a kids playground is a reasonable request.
Your market stall location matters. Try to research the best available locations at any market you intend to exhibit at. It can make all the difference from an average day to an exceptionally great one. market stall location
Related reading: how to fill out a market stall application and the market directory.
