What to buy for a clothing fair

A clothing fair needs more than tables and rails. You will need enough hangers, clear price labels, fitting-room screens, mirrors, lighting and a simple way to handle payments. This shopping list also covers refreshments for vendors and visitors, signs for the venue, and supplies for keeping walkways clear and the space tidy. Check quantities against your vendor count and venue layout before shopping, especially for power, cash change and display equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 24
Folding chairsqty 30
Clothes racksqty 20
Clothes hangersqty 300
Changing room screensqty 4
Clothing binsqty 10
Tableclothsqty 24

Equipment

Cash machinesqty 2
Cash boxesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 6
Handheld microphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee mugsqty 80
Pastry platesqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 80

Decorations

Mirrorsqty 4
Information boardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Price tagsqty 500
Markersqty 12
Painter's tapeqty 8
Ropeqty 2

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 120 pieces
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Small trash bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwashing liquid - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 pack

Tips

Allow one clothes rack per seller where possible, and provide at least 20 to 30 hangers for each rack. Sellers with folded stock will also need table space or clothing bins.
Prepare one price-tag and marker set for every 5 to 10 sellers, plus extra tags. Pack painter's tape for securing signs, marking routes and fixing temporary notices without damaging surfaces.
Plan at least one screened changing area for every 15 to 20 sellers, with a mirror and standing lamp nearby. Test the lighting and keep the fitting-room route clear before doors open.
For a four-hour fair, prepare roughly two drinks per person during the first hour and one per person for each following hour. Use coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks, reusable cups, mugs, teaspoons and pastry plates so the refreshment table does not depend on constant refilling.
Bring one cash box per payment point, enough small change for the first 20 to 30 sales, and extension cords with power strips for each cluster of powered equipment. Keep brooms and a dustpan ready for tags, packaging and dirt brought in from outside.

Frequently asked questions

How many clothes hangers do I need for a clothing fair?: Plan for 20 to 30 hangers per clothes rack, then add 10% extra for replacements and sellers bringing more garments than expected. If a seller has two racks, double the allowance.
How many changing rooms are needed at a clothing fair?: Provide one screened changing room for every 15 to 20 sellers, with at least one mirror close by. For a busy fair, add one extra changing area rather than making visitors queue in the sales aisles.
What refreshments should I buy for a clothing fair?: For the first hour, allow two drinks per person, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Buy coffee, tea, water and a small amount of food, and add around 10% extra cups and servings for unexpected visitors.
How much cash change should I prepare for a clothing fair?: Prepare small change for the first 20 to 30 transactions at each cash point, using a mix of low-value notes and coins. Confirm the vendor payment method at least one week before the fair so you know how many cash boxes or cash machines are required.

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