How To Set Up A Market Stall
What Is the Best Way to Set Up a Market Stall?
Setting up a market stall is a great way to launch a small business, sell food or products directly to customers, or promote a brand in a public space. Whether you’re trading at a local market, food festival, or a seasonal event, your stall setup will play a key role in your success.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about setting up a market stall — from choosing the right structure to managing paperwork and creating a layout that works.
How long does it take to set up a market stall?
Most of our flat-pack stalls can be assembled in 10–15 minutes by one or two people. We offer both delivery and installation services, or self-assembly options for budget-conscious traders. Instructions are clear and all hardware is provided.
Can market stalls be used all year round?
Yes. Our stalls are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Timber cladding is treated for weather protection, roof canopies are waterproof, and the frame systems are built to withstand wind and general wear.
If you’re running a stall during winter, or at a Christmas market, we recommend fully enclosed units like our chalet-style pods.
What is a market stall?
A market stall is a temporary or semi-permanent structure designed for selling goods or food at public events. Market stalls come in many forms, including:
- Flat-pack wooden stalls
- Covered gazebos
- Food kiosks or catering pods
- Rustic chalets for seasonal events
Most stalls are designed to be quick to set up, easy to transport, and compliant with basic trading requirements. At Big Kahuna, we offer a wide range of market stall hire options to suit events of all types.
Do you offer market stall hire?
Yes — we offer nationwide market stall hire for short-term events, long-term rentals, and seasonal markets. Whether you need one unit or a full run of matching stalls, Big Kahuna can supply, deliver and install throughout the UK.
We also offer bulk discounts, branded signage, and bespoke layout advice.
What do I need to set up a market stall?
To set up a market stall professionally, you’ll need to think about three main things: permissions, the right equipment, and how your stall is presented.
1. Paperwork and permissions
Before setting up your stall, make sure you’ve arranged the following:
- Market or pitch licence (from the organiser or local authority)
- Public liability insurance
- Food hygiene certificate (if selling food)
- Fire risk assessments and safety checks
If you’re hiring a stall at a festival or public event, these documents are often required in advance.
2. Choosing the right stall
Big Kahuna offers a variety of flat-pack and modular stalls for hire, all suitable for quick setup and use at markets, fairs, festivals and more. Our options include:
- Standard 2.4m x 1.8m stalls with counters and roof canopies
- Chalet-style huts for themed or seasonal markets
- Mobile food units with full electrics, sinks and service counters
- Coffee and prosecco bar kiosks ideal for pop-ups and corporate events
All our units are weatherproof and can be branded with your own signage or wrap.
3. Layout and functionality
When planning your layout, think about how you’ll serve customers efficiently and safely. Most traders will need:
- A front counter for serving or displaying products
- Shelving or under-counter storage
- Power sockets for hot food, lighting or tills
- Hygiene setup (especially for food sales)
We can supply stalls with stainless steel counters, double sinks, hot water systems, LED lighting and more — depending on your event requirements.
Hire a Market Stall with Big Kahuna
We’ve supplied stalls and kiosks for hundreds of traders across the UK — from school events and food festivals to brand activations and high street pop-ups.
All stalls are available for:
• Single-day hire
• Weekly or long-term rental
• Indoor or outdoor events
Explore our market stall hire options or contact us for a custom quote.