Merry Market, curated by Art Garden KC and City Market, is one of Kansas City's most beloved holiday shopping traditions. If you're a vendor, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your unique, handmade products to the local community. To make the most of this festive event, your booth needs to be both functional and visually enticing, drawing in shoppers from the busy aisles. Whether you’re new to outdoor markets or a seasoned vendor, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your booth for Merry Market this holiday season!
1. Create an Inviting and Warm Booth Space
Decorating your booth is key to standing out in the bustling holiday market. Use a cohesive, festive color scheme - think muted greens, reds, and golds - or stick to decorations that match the overall style of your products. If your booth has a minimalist vibe, go for simple, elegant holiday touches like white décor and natural greenery. Banners, wooden signs, Christmas trees, tinsel, garland and wreaths can be useful for catching the attention of passersby from a distance.
Pro Tip: Make your signs fun and festive—chalkboards with holiday doodles or rustic wooden signs add a personal, seasonal touch. For an affordable way to decorate your booth, check out local thrift stores for unique, budget-friendly holiday décor that can add charm and character to your setup.
Lighting is also essential to create a cozy ambiance, especially during cloudy and cold weather. Warm-white string lights, fairy lights, and lanterns can add a festive glow to your space, while rechargeable display lights can highlight key products. If you’re using battery-powered lighting, test it before market day and bring extra batteries or a compatible power bank to keep your booth glowing.
Since Merry Market is an outdoor event, it’s crucial to think about staying warm. White zip-up canopy walls can help block wind, create a clean backdrop for your products, and make your booth feel like a little holiday shop. If you’re purchasing “universal” walls, double-check the measurements and attachments to make sure they fit your canopy.
A rug adds a cozy touch and a layer between your feet and City Market’s cold concrete. For extra comfort during long days, try an insulated outdoor mat or anti-fatigue mat behind your table. Bundle up with warm layers, insulated footwear, hand warmers, and a thermos full of something hot. An extra blanket or battery-powered heated blanket can make seated breaks a little more comfortable, too!
If you bring a portable propane heater, choose one appropriate for the setting and follow the manufacturer’s ventilation and clearance requirements. Keep it away from décor and merchandise, and never fully enclose a canopy around a fuel-burning heater.
Before adding the festive finishing touches, start with a sturdy 10x10 straight-leg canopy and properly secured canopy weights. Winter wind can sneak up on you, so secure lightweight decorations, signs, and displays, too. A few heavy-duty clamps and tablecloth clips are always handy to have tucked away!
2. Offer a Memorable Shopping Experience
Your booth should feel like a mini holiday store, inviting people to linger and browse. To do this, vertical displays are your friend. Raise your products off the table by using shelves or hanging racks so that people can see your offerings from across the market. This tactic not only maximizes your space but also makes your booth more visually dynamic.
Pro Tip: Arrange your most attention-grabbing or unique items at eye level to instantly attract curiosity from passing shoppers.
Clear signage is another must. Create a banner with your logo, website, and social media handles to increase brand recognition. You can also use smaller signs to guide shoppers through different sections of your booth or highlight special holiday deals.
Make prices easy to spot so shoppers can browse without having to ask about every item. Small groupings like “Stocking Stuffers,” “Gifts Under $25,” or “For the Person Who Has Everything” can help customers find their perfect gift. Keep gift bags, tissue paper, and ribbon within reach so purchases are ready to tuck under the tree.
Offering gift-wrapping services can take your booth to the next level. Many shoppers are on the lookout for thoughtful, ready-to-give presents, and gift wrapping adds an extra touch of convenience. This is a great way to encourage more sales, especially during the busy holiday season.
Looking for inspiration? Browse the photos below for festive booth displays and creative holiday décor from past Merry Market vendors!
3. Market Your Vendor Shop on Social Media for the Holidays
Attract visitors to your booth by spreading the word on social media! Create festive, holiday-themed posts that show off your products, deals, or exclusive items for Merry Market. Create a buzz by sharing pictures of your booth set-up, a behind-the-scenes look at your crafting process, or teaser images of limited-edition holiday products.
Let your followers know which Merry Market weekends they can find you at City Market! Tag @artgardenkc and @citymarketkc so we can find your updates and repost.
Show Your Products in Their Best Light
You don’t need a professional camera to create beautiful product photos! Wipe your phone’s lens, use soft natural light near a window, and choose a simple background that lets your work stand out. Avoid harsh flash, distracting clutter, and filters that change your products’ true colors.
Capture a few different views: the full product, a close-up showing handmade details, and a photo of someone holding or using it so shoppers can picture its size. For holiday posts, a little greenery, ribbon, or gift wrap can add a festive touch without stealing the spotlight.
Pro Tip: Send your favorite high-quality originals to Art Garden KC - you might see your work featured in our Merry Market promotions!
4. Set Your Pricing and Offer Holiday Deals
December is one of the busiest months for shopping, so make sure your pricing reflects the holiday market. Shoppers tend to be more willing to spend a little extra for special, handmade gifts. Consider offering a variety of price points so there's something for everyone—small stocking stuffers, mid-range items, and higher-end pieces for those looking to splurge.
Holiday bundles can be a great way to introduce shoppers to more of your work. Pair complementary products, create a ready-to-give gift set, or offer a small festive extra with qualifying purchases. Choose an offer that works for your business, and make sure your pricing still accounts for your materials, time, and packaging.
5. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere with Personal Touches
Music can add a warm, festive feel to your booth, consider playing holiday tunes softly in the background to complement the market’s festive vibe. A friendly, knowledgeable team is also key to creating a welcoming atmosphere. Greet each visitor with a smile, offer assistance, and engage with your customers in a way that makes them feel appreciated.
To add even more to the experience, encourage visitors to snap photos of your booth and products. You can incentivize this by offering a discount or entry into a raffle for anyone who tags your business on social media or uses a specific hashtag.
