What you need for a retro market

A retro market needs more than tables and clothes racks. You’ll need a clear setup for vendors, reliable power for card machines and lighting, plus serving equipment for coffee and refreshments. Plan transport and weather protection before shopping, because tents, carts and cable covers are easy to overlook. Use this list to check what must be bought, borrowed or brought on the day, then confirm quantities against your vendor count and floor plan.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Market stallsqty 24
Tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 10
Transport cartsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 12

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable matsqty 12
Card machinesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED work lightsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Retro postersqty 20
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 18
Booth numbersqty 30
Photo backdrop
Balloonsqty 100

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 6

Catering

Cash boxesqty 2
Change boxesqty 4
Price sign holdersqty 30
Ice packsqty 24
Drink dispensersqty 4
Napkin dispensersqty 6
Coffee filtersqty 200
Menu boardsqty 4
Blanketsqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Serving cartsqty 2
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 3 tubs
- White sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Loose sugar - 1 kilo
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Limes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Mini carrots - 3 kilos
- Bell pepper strips - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Slices of ham - 1 kilo
- Sliced Chicken Breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Baguettes - 18 pieces
- Multigrain loaves - 8 pieces
- Mini croissants - 120 pieces
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Cheese and onion chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 5 bags
- Pretzels - 5 bags
- Mini cookies - 6 packs
- Coffee pastries - 100 pieces
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Basil - 3 pots
- Oregano - 1 jar
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper plates - 150
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Straws - 150 pieces
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Allow one market stall or table setup per vendor, then add at least one spare table for registration, information or overflow. Count clothes racks separately, since not every seller can use a tabletop display.
For a four-hour market, plan at least two reusable cups or coffee cups per expected drinker if washing is not available. Add serving platters, tongs, plates and cutlery based on the food you are actually serving, not just the number of visitors.
Test every card machine and extension cord before setup, and bring enough power strips for separate vendor and refreshment areas. Cover cables with cable mats wherever visitors or transport carts cross the route.
Provide one chair for each person working a fixed station, plus bar stools only where vendors or guests will use a counter. Transport carts save time when moving tables, coolers and stock from the unloading point.
Check the forecast 48 hours before the market and confirm that party tents, coolers and string lights are ready. Put flashlights and insurance papers in the same clearly marked box so they are not left behind during loading.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a retro market?: Start with the setup: party tents, market stalls, tables, chairs, clothes racks and transport carts. Add reusable cups, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving equipment, coolers, power supplies, card machines and lighting according to the number of vendors and visitors.
How many tables do I need for a retro market?: Plan at least one table or stall position per vendor, then add 1–2 extra tables for registration, information and refreshments. Confirm the final count against the floor plan before hiring or transporting furniture.
How much coffee equipment is needed for a market?: For each coffee service point, allow one coffee machine or kettle and one thermos flask for each active batch or serving station. Prepare cups for the expected number of drinks, plus roughly 10% extra so a busy period does not stop service.
When should I check the equipment for a retro market?: Check furniture, tents and serving supplies at least 3 days before the market. Test card machines, extension cords, power strips and lighting no later than the day before, and check the weather forecast again 48 hours before opening.

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