Holiday Reminder: Labeling Your Display Props Clearly

Holiday Reminder: Labeling Your Display Props Clearly

As the holiday season approaches, our merchants are bringing even more warmth and creativity into their spaces — from sparkling ornaments to cozy holiday vignettes. This festive touch is part of what makes Belleville Market so special during this time of year. But with all the extra seasonal decor, it’s important to keep one key detail in mind: clearly labeling all Not For Sale (NFS) items.

Why It Matters

Guests at Belleville Market often assume that everything they see is available for purchase — and that’s part of the magic of shopping here. However, when decorative props, display fixtures, or seasonal accents aren’t marked as “Not For Sale” or “Display Only,” it can lead to confusion and frustration. What feels like an obvious prop to you might be the one item a guest falls in love with and wants to take home.

To avoid these moments, please ensure all display-only items are tagged clearly. This includes:
  1. Fixtures like baskets, risers, and display stands
  2. Seasonal decorations such as garlands, ornaments, or figurines
  3. Background items like books, candles, or dishware used for styling

Be Selective with “Not For Sale” Items

While decorative touches make your space more inviting, try to limit the number of NFS items you use — especially during busy shopping seasons. When too many things in a booth aren’t for sale, guests may feel discouraged or even walk away.

A simple rule of thumb:

If it’s within reach, draws attention, or looks similar to something you sell — it should ideally be available for purchase.

Using props that closely resemble your own merchandise can be especially confusing. For example, if you sell vintage ornaments and display a few others that look identical but aren’t for sale, guests won’t know the difference. They may even assume your entire selection isn’t available. This can unintentionally break the “shopping flow” and create frustration for guests who came ready to buy.

Instead, look for creative ways to decorate with sellable product. Use your own merchandise to tell a story — style your candles with other items you sell, drape textiles that are part of your inventory, or create layered displays with purchasable pieces. This approach not only avoids guest confusion but also encourages add-on sales and creates a more authentic, shoppable space.

Keep the Shopping Experience Magical

Every detail contributes to the guest experience at Belleville Market. Clear signage, thoughtful merchandising, and transparency about what’s for sale all help maintain the seamless, discovery-driven environment that guests love.

To learn more about proper tagging for display and NFS items, read our [Tagging & NFS Items Guideline] in the Merchant Portal.