Creative market shopping list

A creative market needs more than tables and displays. You also need practical supplies for exhibitors, payments, power, signage, refreshments and changing weather. This checklist helps you shop for the items that are easy to overlook, from spare batteries and extension cords to tape, rope and transport carts. Check quantities against your number of makers, stalls and visitors before buying or borrowing anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 20
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 6
Bollardsqty 8
Transport cartsqty 2

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Phone chargersqty 4
Card machinesqty 3
Power banksqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Flashlightsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 24
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Clothespinsqty 50
Ropeqty 2
Tapeqty 6
Painter's tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 6
Price tagsqty 200
Directional signsqty 12
Booth numbersqty 20
Name badgesqty 35
Badge holdersqty 35
Menusqty 8
Information boardsqty 4
Flyersqty 300
Floor plansqty 250

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Milk jugsqty 4
Sugar bowlsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Storage binsqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Kitchen towelsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini wraps - 8 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Sandwiches - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Mini quiches - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian quiches - 30 pieces
- Vegan muffins - 30 pieces
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Straws - 200 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Aluminium trays - 50 pieces
- Storage containers - 30 pieces
- Diet cards - 30 pieces
Water jugsqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 4
Cooling matsqty 12
Food labelsqty 100
Napkin holdersqty 8
Bread basketsqty 6
Thermos cupsqty 20

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 8
Waste sorting binsqty 4
Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
All-purpose cleanerqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Rubber glovesqty 6
Paper towelsqty 12

Tips

Plan at least one market stall, table and chair for each maker unless their pitch requirements say otherwise. Add a few spare chairs for registration, breaks and unexpected needs.
Allow one extension cord and one power strip for each powered area, then check cable lengths before the event. Bring phone chargers and power banks so card machines can keep working if a socket is busy or unavailable.
Prepare signage materials before setup: chalkboards, chalk markers, tape, rope and clothespins cover arrows, stall labels and temporary notices. Pack spare tape and batteries separately so they are easy to find on the day.
Use coolers for drinks and thermos flasks or kettles for hot water rather than relying on a single refreshment point. Fill the coolers shortly before opening and keep extra cups or serving supplies with the catering equipment.
Pack lighting and weather equipment even for a daytime market. Party tents, LED lamps, string lights, flashlights and spare batteries are useful when setup starts early, the market runs late or the weather changes.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a creative market?: Plan for stalls, tables, chairs, tablecloths, signage, tape, rope, lighting, power supplies and refreshments. For each maker, start with one assigned pitch and then add shared equipment based on the layout and number of visitors.
How many tables do I need for a creative market?: Use at least one table per maker who needs display space, then add shared tables for registration, catering or information. Confirm each maker’s requirements before ordering, ideally at least 2 weeks before the market.
How much power equipment should I bring to a creative market?: Bring at least one suitable extension cord and power strip for every separate powered area, plus chargers and power banks for card machines. Check the venue’s outlets and cable routes 1 week before setup.
What should I pack for an outdoor creative market?: Pack party tents, rope, bollards, transport carts, coolers, flashlights, LED lamps and spare batteries. Confirm the weather plan 24 to 48 hours before the event and keep weather-sensitive supplies covered during transport and setup.

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