A Vendor’s Guide For Maximizing Your First Thursday Market Booth
Setting up your booth for the First Thursday outdoor summer markets is more than just unpacking your products—it’s about creating an inviting, shoppable space that attracts customers and drives sales. Whether you're a seasoned vendor or new to the market scene, these essential tips will help you make the most of your booth setup.
Written by Stephanie Pedro-Graves and Becci Ravera
Setting up your booth for the Madras First Thursday summer markets is more than just unpacking your products—it’s about creating an inviting, shoppable space that attracts customers and in return helps you drive more sales. Whether you're a seasoned vendor or new to the market scene, these essential tips will help you make the most of your booth setup so you can have a successful event!
Create a Visually Appealing Booth
First impressions matter, and your booth is no exception. A well-organized, aesthetically pleasing space will draw people in and encourage them to browse. Keep your setup open and inviting—avoid blocking entryways or cramming products into a small space.
Use height and layers: Instead of laying everything flat on a table, create levels with shelves, risers, or crates. This adds dimension and makes your display more dynamic.
Declutter: A messy or overcrowded booth can feel overwhelming. Keep your space neat and organized so customers can easily see what you offer.
Lighting: Since this event goes into the evening, consider adding battery-operated lights to highlight key products and create a warm, inviting ambiance.
Keep Your Display Fresh & Engaging
Your booth shouldn’t look the same all day—keeping it fresh will entice new and returning customers.
Rotate products throughout the event to make the booth feel new, even to passersby who have already walked through.
Fill empty spaces: If you’re selling out (yay!), shift items around to make the booth look full and vibrant.
Feature a bestseller or new arrival front and center to catch attention.
Make Pricing Clear & Accessible
One of the biggest customer turn-offs is unclear pricing. Many shoppers will walk away rather than ask how much something costs.
Use clearly marked price tags or signs for all products.
If you have a variety of similar items, consider grouping them with a single sign listing the price range.
Digital options like QR codes linking to pricing or product details can also be helpful!
Ensure Accessibility for All Shoppers
A welcoming booth is accessible to all potential customers, including those with mobility challenges.
Keep pathways clear for easy navigation, so your customers can easily get close enough to see everything you are offering.
Place popular items within reach, avoid putting everything too high, too low, or just out of reach.
Offer digital payment options for those who prefer to go cashless. By having digital payment options you make it even easier for customers to take home one of your amazing products!
Be Prepared: Vendor Must-Have Checklist
Nothing ruins a smooth setup faster than realizing you forgot an essential item. Here’s a quick checklist of booth essentials to keep on hand:
✅ Business Essentials: Business cards, product tags, price signs, promotional materials
✅ Sales & Payment: Till or cash box with change, POS system (like Square), receipt book (if needed) ✅ Display & Branding: Table, chair, canopy with weights, banner/signage, shelving or display stands
✅ Handy Tools: Scissors, tape, zip ties, safety pins, extra product packaging (bags, tissue paper)
✅ Comfort & Convenience: Water, snacks, sunscreen, portable phone charger.
Your booth is a reflection of your brand—make it welcoming, professional, and easy to shop. By focusing on visual appeal, organization, accessibility, and preparedness, you’ll set yourself up for a successful First Thursday market experience.
See you at the market, and happy selling!
Spooky Fun at the Halloween Night Market in Madras!
What a night! The Halloween Night Market in Madras was an unforgettable evening filled with spooky thrills, creative costumes, and community spirit. Our downtown streets were alive with excitement, as residents, visitors, and families came together to celebrate one of the most fun nights of the year.
What a night! The Halloween Night Market in Madras was an unforgettable evening filled with spooky thrills, creative costumes, and community spirit. Our downtown streets were alive with excitement, as residents, visitors, and families came together to celebrate one of the most fun nights of the year.
From the moment the sun dipped below the horizon, the air was buzzing with the energy of our local vendors offering everything from sweet treats to unique handmade crafts. Whether you were hunting for the perfect costume accessory or indulging in delicious fall-inspired goodies, there was something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind event.
But it wasn’t just about the shopping—our Halloween Night Market was a full-on celebration! We had a blast seeing all the creative costumes, from classic witches and pumpkins to more unexpected and playful characters. The streets were filled with families, friends, and neighbors, all enjoying the festive atmosphere and connecting with each other.
We’d like to give a big shoutout to our incredible vendors and volunteers who helped make the night so special. Your dedication and creativity added to the magic of the evening. And of course, a huge thank you to all of you who joined us to shop, eat, and have fun. You all brought the Halloween spirit alive, and it was clear that Madras knows how to throw a good party!
We’d love to see YOUR photos from our Halloween Night Market. Send them to us via email MadrasDowntown@gmail.com
As we reflect on the fun, we’re already brainstorming how to make next year’s Halloween Night Market even more spooktacular. Stay tuned for more details, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s event!
Until then, keep the Halloween spirit alive, and let’s keep supporting our local businesses. We can't wait to see you all again soon!
Grateful for another season of First Thursday markets
As the weather cools and the sun sets earlier, we find ourselves with a moment to pause and reflect on the wonderful season we've just had. Another successful First Thursday Market season in Madras has come and gone, and we can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the amazing vendors, volunteers, and community members who made it all possible.
As the weather cools and the sun sets earlier, we find ourselves with a moment to pause and reflect on the wonderful season we've just had. Another successful First Thursday Market season in Madras has come and gone, and we can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the amazing vendors, volunteers, and community members who made it all possible.
This year’s markets were filled with vibrant local goods, delicious food, live entertainment, and, most importantly, the spirit of connection. It was a season full of smiles, laughter, and shared experiences—something we’ve all been craving, especially after the challenges of the past few years.
We want to take a moment to recognize each and every person who contributed to the success of these events.
To our vendors: your passion for your craft and commitment to offering unique, high-quality products made each market a true celebration of what Madras has to offer. If you would like to be a vendor next season you can see more about joining the fun on our First Thursdays Page
To our volunteers: your selfless support and dedication were the backbone of these events, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and with a smile.
And to our community: your enthusiasm, support, and engagement made all the difference. Whether you visited once or every month, your presence created an electric atmosphere that brought this event to life.
The First Thursday Markets are more than just a chance to shop—they're a testament to the strength and spirit of our community. These events foster connections, celebrate local talent, and provide a platform for our small businesses to thrive. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.
As we look ahead to next year, we’re already buzzing with excitement for what’s to come. We can’t wait to continue building on this momentum, working together to make the First Thursday Markets even bigger and better. Until then, let’s carry that community spirit with us through the cooler months—and don’t forget to keep supporting our local businesses!
Here’s to another successful season, and to many more in the future. See you in 2025!