Portable and Practical: Must-Have Merchandising Gear for On-the-Go Events

Posted On: April 2, 2024 By: SEOAdmin

Not all retailers want to be tied to bricks and mortar stores. And many of those who do have their own premises like to get out and about to trade shows, festivals and other events to spread the word of their business. These on-the-go events offer many benefits for retailers to get in front of new customers in different locations and make the most of a captive audience.

Pop-up events and mobile retail opportunities do, however, come with their own set of challenges. From space constraints to the concerns of how to move large amounts of stock around the country and how to display it in a way that matches with your brand identity.

It is possible, though, and this blog provides advice for mobile merchandising with gear that’s as portable as it is practical.

Understanding On-the-Go Merchandising

On-the-go merchandising is about bringing your shop to the customer, wherever they may be. This requires a shift in approach from the traditional idea of a static, one-location mindset to a dynamic and versatile one.

Pop-up and mobile shop setups need to be lightweight, easy to transport and quick to set up and break down, all while maintaining the visual appeal of a traditional retail space and the essence of your company and its values.

You also have to consider the setting of your mobile shop, the type of event and the available space that you have to play with.

Essential Merchandising Gear

The right retail display items are crucial to make your mobile setup successful:

• Portable Displays: These come in various sizes and can be assembled in minutes, providing a professional backdrop for your products.
• Pop-Up Banners: Easy to transport and set up, banners are an excellent tool for brand visibility, packing down neatly to help you transport them with little fuss and without taking up valuable stock space.
• Folding Tables: A staple for any mobile merchandiser, these tables are lightweight and provide a stable surface for displaying products. You can easily transport them without taking up too much room, but they allow you to show more of your products to customers.
• Portable Shelving and Rails: Modular or fold-down shelving units and adjustable rails offer flexible display options and can be customised to fit different spaces and merchandise types. They provide height to your displays and allow you to show off more of your products.
• Collapsible Storage: Essential for inventory management and transportation, collapsible storage containers keep products organised and secure before and after the event. They stack up better in your vehicle and allow you to make the most of the available transportation space.

Streamlined Payment Systems

When you sell at on-the-go events, efficiency is key in all aspects, including taking payments. You want to be able to accept sales with the least amount of fuss and get onto the next customer.

Whereas once, mobile stores had to rely on cash sales, there are portable payment options now that allow for quick transactions and easy integration with your point-of-sale (POS) systems.

You can use mobile card readers on your phone, dedicated contactless payment solutions and user-friendly POS apps to ensure that you never have to turn a customer away for not having the right notes in their pocket.

Look for the options with the lowest transaction fees and the easiest interface when searching for the best solution for you.

Versatile Signage and Branding

Clear, impactful branding is vital to your mobile setup. This is why you need versatile signs that can be adjusted for different events. They must be bold enough to catch the eye, yet flexible enough to convey your brand message in a range of settings.

Branding is what will make customers seek you out online or at future events if they have enjoyed a good experience with you, so make sure you find signage that stands out.

Merchandise Security

Pop-up stores have many advantages for retailers, but one drawback is the security aspect. You cannot rely on CCTV or security tags like you would use in a regular location. This means you need to plan for how you will protect your stock.

You should consider where you place your products, keeping those most valuable items near you at all times. Try using secure display options such as locked glass cases. And consider technology solutions like portable alarms and trackers for really valuable products.

Want to Prepare For On-the-Go Events?

On-the-go events are an exciting avenue for your business to expand its reach and engage with customers in diverse environments. With the right gear, from adaptable displays to streamlined payment systems and considerations for branding and security, you can create compelling, sales-driven events anywhere.

Whether at a festival, a street fair or a pop-up space, the ability to quickly set up an inviting and secure shopping environment will leave a lasting impression on customers and drive sales for your business.

Talk to The Retail Factory about the essential items you need for your mobile events.