What to buy for a Curio market

A Curio market needs more than tables and stalls. Plan the practical supplies that keep exhibitors visible, visitors oriented and refreshments moving throughout the day. This checklist covers market furniture, shelving, signs, lighting, power, drinks service and serving equipment. Use it alongside your setup plan, then check every item at least one week before the market so missing cables, cups or display materials can still be replaced.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Rack shelvesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Speaker
Microphone
Cash boxesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Payment terminal
Toolboxesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Calculatorsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lightsqty 8

Decorations

Bannersqty 4
Wayfinding signsqty 10
Tableclothsqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 6
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100
Booth number cardsqty 20
Price tagsqty 300
Markersqty 12
Notepadsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 8
Stoolsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Cool bowlsqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
Water tanksqty 2
Cooling platesqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2

Tips

Count one table or stall space per exhibitor, then add at least one extra table for the information desk and one for catering. Confirm the final exhibitor count before buying or borrowing furniture.
Allow two to three drinks per visitor for the first hour when planning chilled drinks, coffee and water. Bring more reusable cups and coffee cups than your expected peak serving period requires.
Measure the distance between the power supply and each coffee machine, kettle, speaker and lighting point before choosing extension cords. Keep power strips and cable ties available for safe, tidy connections.
Prepare one complete signage set for the entrance, parking, route, information desk and each stall area. Pack tape, cable ties and chalkboards together so signs can be fixed as soon as the tents and tables are in place.
Buy or gather display equipment based on what exhibitors are bringing: rack shelves for small goods, clothes racks for garments and serving platters for catering. Check the materials at least 48 hours before setup, not on the morning itself.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a Curio market?: Plan for market stalls, tables, chairs, rack shelves or clothes racks, tablecloths, signs, banners, lighting, extension cords and power strips. For refreshments, include coolers, coffee machines, kettles, thermos flasks, cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters.
How many cups do I need for a market?: Start with at least one cup per expected visitor during the busiest serving period, then add a 20% reserve. Use separate coffee cups if coffee is served continuously, and keep reusable cups ready near the catering table.
When should I buy supplies for a Curio market?: Finish the main shopping and borrowing at least 7 days before the market. Check the full set of furniture, display materials, signs, cables and tableware again 48 hours before setup.
How much lighting and power equipment does a Curio market need?: Provide a lighting point for each tent or dark display area, using string lights or LED lights as appropriate. Count every powered item, including coffee machines, kettles, speakers and lights, then prepare enough extension cords and power strips before setup.

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