How to Stand Out at a Trade Show – 10 Proven Tips for Retailers

How to stand out at a trade show – here are 10 proven tips for retailers.

Trade shows are a golden opportunity for retailers to showcase their brand, connect with potential customers, and boost sales. But with hundreds of exhibitors vying for attention, how can you make sure your booth stands out from the crowd?

The key to trade show success isn’t just about showing up—it’s about strategic planning, engaging displays, and effective marketing. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned pro, implementing the right tactics can make all the difference in attracting foot traffic, generating leads, and maximising your return on investment.

In this blog post, you’ll find 10 proven tips to help your retail business stand out at a trade show. From eye-catching booth designs to powerful engagement strategies, these expert insights will ensure you leave a lasting impression and turn attendees into loyal customers. Let’s dive in!

5 Things to do Before you Exhibit at your First Trade Show

1. Research it’s right for you and visit it first
2. Get insurance 
3. Have a wholesale process set up
4. Create a wholesale catalogue/line sheet and order form 
5. Promote you are going! Invite existing customers and potential leads
6. Decide on your stand set-up and practise at home to make sure it fits if needed
   1. Think about your existing furniture and use this instead of buying something specifically

How to Make Your Business Stand Out at a Trade Show

• Add lighting to your stand
  • It’s an extra cost but you can see the stands that’s don’t pay for this as they are darker

• Add your company name to the back of your stand
  • Think of a fabric banner, board or wall sticker 
  • The exhibitors will only put your brand name will only be on the top or the side – it’s best if you add it to your stand too

• Create different height on your stand
  • Not just one level
  • Add shelves, boxes or photos on the wall

• Add colour and visual interest
  • Consider negative space so it isn’t too busy 

• Show your product in use
  • What’s inside the box, on a desk, on a mannequin, or on you! 
  • Or a mini demonstrations/workshop for people to watch or get involved in 

• Search on Instagram and Pinterest for stand inspiration
  • Hashtags such as #TopDrawer 

• Branded freebies are an option to giveaway and for visitors to remember your stand 

Top Tips for Making the Trade Show a Success

Wear:

• Comfy shoes! You’ll be on your feet all day
• Smart but casual – you don’t need a suit
• Layers in case it’s cold 

Bring:

• A table or tall stool to take orders on
• Order form – Google forms is a good option
• Paper form to write peoples emails (add personalised notes)
• Laptop/iPad and pen 
• Business cards, leaflets and wholesale catalogue 
• Stand storage – to put your bag in 
• Tool kit – blue tack, pins, hammer, nails, sticky back Velcro, screw driver, portable hand steamer, paint pots, duster and polish to clean the stand 

Say:

• Smile
• Have an opening line to gauge if visitors will be interested in your products. E.g.
  • Do you sell stationery? 
• Be open and welcome guests. Leave them to browse and don’t be unavailable for questions (i.e. working so they can’t talk to you)
• Talk about your products with passion and confidence
• Your best sellers – people like to know what works!
• Network at the show and find out how everyone else is doing. There might be opportunities for collaborations too 
• Offer a discount for booking at the show 
• Put on social media you’re attending and show behind the scenes sneak peeks while you’re at the show 

Why what you do After the Trade Show to make all the Difference

• Send out all your orders – under promise and over deliver with your time frames. Add a note to thank them for their business 
• Follow up – offer the same discount or free delivery?
• Write an email to everyone who’s card you received
• Keep in touch – even if you don’t hear back, send them your new-season information or useful industry articles 
• Aim for exposure

Whether it’s your first or fifth trade show, good luck and I hope these tips help you have the best show!

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