How to maximize pop-up markets for your small business

July 8, 2025 2 min read

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For brick-and-mortar and online businesses alike, pop-up markets can be an incredible opportunity. Not only are you immersing your business in your local community to a greater extent, you’re reaching new customers and putting your product out there in a completely different way. Stuck on the best way to approach these markets? We’ve got some tips that will help you really leave your mark!


Find markets and events that are a good fit for your business

Before you can participate in pop-up markets, you should find events that are the best fit for your business, of course. Not every market attracts a crowd that will have interest in your products or services – for example, an ice cream truck probably won’t sell much product at a vegan food festival. To avoid this, take some time to research local markets and events on platforms like Facebook Events or Instagram. These platforms typically offer a description of the event and photos so you can determine whether they’re a good fit for you. If all else fails, reach out to other small businesses that have participated in the past to gain a greater perspective.


Invest in supplies that will make your business stand out

In addition to bringing basic supplies with you like a tent, folding tables and tablecloths, you might want to invest in some extras that will make your booth more recognizable and lead you to more success. Signage with your business’s logo, a flyer or menu with your product offerings and interesting ways to display your products will draw customers in and lead to more sales. Want to gain more followers to your social channels? Prominently display a QR code that booth attendees can easily scan.



Let your followers know you’ll be attending

Once you know you’ll have a spot at a pop-up market, don’t stay quiet – let your social media followers know! Existing and new customers will have advance notice of your attendance and can plan on supporting you and other small businesses at the market. And for online-only businesses, this is especially important, because your customers will know they have the chance to shop your products in person.

Offer market-exclusive products or deals

Nothing draws a crowd like an exclusive product or a deal, so why not implement this tactic at your booth? An easy way to do this is to offer a small discount for individuals who follow you on social media or who sign up for your email marketing list. If your business offers something like specialty food products or candles, consider bringing a flavor or scent that can only be found at your market appearances. Customers might just fall in love with a market-exclusive product of yours and make it a point to find you at the next pop-up.

 

Summertime means that festivals and pop-up markets are in full swing – and it’s likely not too late to throw your hat in the ring as a vendor. Though they require thoughtful planning, these markets offer the opportunity to connect you to new customers and make your small business’s name more recognizable. So pack up your tent, gather your inventory and don’t miss out on all of the opportunities popping up.

The content of this page is for informational purposes only. It is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. Please consult with the professionals of your choice to discuss your situation.
The responses to these interview questions were given by business owners and were not written by M&T Bank.