What to buy for a clothing fair

A clothing fair needs more than tables and clothing racks. You’ll need a clear way to label garments, display prices, guide visitors, take payments and keep the registration area running. Plan refreshments for sellers and helpers, plus practical equipment such as mirrors, changing-room screens and extension cords. Use this list alongside your event plan so you can buy or borrow everything before setup day, rather than discovering gaps when sellers are already arriving.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
Clothes racksqty 12
Changing room screensqty 4
Standing tablesqty 2
Mirrorsqty 4
Changing room benchesqty 4
Registration desk

Equipment

Payment terminalqty 2
Cash boxqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Clothes steamersqty 2

Tableware

Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Mugsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 14
Clothing labelsqty 500
Price tagsqty 300
Directional signsqty 12
Opening sign
Table numbersqty 12
Clothing coversqty 100

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving traysqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Jam - 2 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Mini sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one clothing label and one price tag for every item expected at the fair, then keep at least 10% extra for replacements and last-minute additions.
Allow one mirror for each changing area and provide a bench in every fitting room. Set up the screens early so visitors can change without blocking walkways.
Bring a cash box with enough change in several denominations, and test the payment terminal at least 24 hours before opening. Pack an extension cord and power strip if the registration desk needs electricity.
For coffee and tea, plan roughly 2 cups per seller or helper during the event. Prepare coffee pots, thermos flasks, mugs, glasses, plates and cutlery before doors open, rather than during the busiest sales period.
Pack signage in a separate, labelled box: include the opening sign, directional signs, table numbers and price lists. Put the signs up during setup and keep spare tape or fasteners with them.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a clothing fair?: Plan for tables, clothes racks, chairs, changing-room screens, mirrors, labels, price tags, table numbers and directional signs. You also need payment equipment, a cash box, extension cords, refreshments and serving items for coffee and tea.
How many clothing labels and price tags should I buy?: Buy one label and one price tag per garment expected at the fair, plus at least 10% extra. The spare supply covers damaged labels, handwritten changes and sellers who bring more items than registered.
How much change should I prepare for a clothing fair?: Prepare change for the first 2 to 3 hours of trading, using a mix of small and medium denominations. Confirm the exact amount with the event organiser and sellers, because prices and payment methods determine how much cash you need.
When should I test the payment terminal and prepare the shopping?: Complete the main shopping and borrowing at least 2 to 3 days before the fair. Test the payment terminal, extension cords and power strips no later than 24 hours before opening, and pack labels and signage in clearly marked boxes.

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