Belleville Market encourages you to incorporate lighting into your selling space. A well-lit booth not only highlights your merchandise but also makes your area more inviting and appealing to guests. Thoughtful lighting contributes significantly to your overall presentation and helps create the warm, welcoming atmosphere our Market is known for.
Belleville Market management does not turn merchant lighting on or off each day. If you prefer that your lights not remain on outside business hours, you are welcome to plug your lighting into a timer — but timers are not required.
Because our store operates extended and varied hours, timers often become unreliable due to resets caused by power outages or changes in daylight schedules. For this reason, merchants are responsible for ensuring their lighting is operating properly during business hours, whether manually or with timers.
If you do use timers, please make sure they are set to turn on no later than 9:00 AM and off no earlier than 10:00 PM daily.
Light Bulb Requirements
For safety reasons, incandescent bulbs are not permitted. Only LED or CFL bulbs using less than 10 watts are allowed. A simple rule of thumb: if you cannot comfortably hold your hand on the bulb for more than 5 seconds, it’s too hot.
Small “candlestick” lamps with miniature bulbs get extremely hot and may not be used unless the bulbs are replaced with cool, energy-efficient alternatives.
If a lamp uses a bulb you would like returned, please tag the product “bulb not included.” We’ll do our best to remove and save the bulb for you, though Belleville Market is not responsible for lost bulbs.
Additionally, due to the risk of guests placing flammable items near exposed bulbs, all lamps must have shades, even if not plugged in.
If you use string lighting or decorative light strands, LED bulbs only are permitted.
Burnt-Out Bulbs
Merchants are responsible for replacing burnt-out bulbs in their own fixtures promptly to maintain consistent lighting levels. Belleville Market will replace bulbs in Market-owned fixtures.
Electrical and Cord Safety
Electrical safety is a shared responsibility and must always be prioritized to protect guests, staff, and merchandise.
- Use extension cords sparingly. Avoid overloading outlets or running multiple cords to the same source.
- Never daisy chain cords or power strips. Power strips may not be plugged into another power strip or an extension cord. They must plug directly into a wall outlet.
- Use quality, UL-listed cords and power strips in good condition — no frayed or damaged cords.
- Do not exceed your booth’s electrical capacity. If you require additional outlets or wiring, Belleville Market may elect to hire an electrician at your expense to ensure all work meets code and safety requirements.
Cord Management for Appearance
Cords and power strips that are loose or visible not only create a hazard but also detract from the overall appearance of your space. Maintaining tidy, well-hidden cords helps your merchandise stand out and keeps your booth looking professional.
Best Practices:
- Bundle excess cord length neatly behind displays, under tables, or along baseboards.
- Use cord clips, covers, or cable management products to secure cords and keep them out of sight.
- Avoid running cords across walkways or areas where guests may step.
- Plan your lighting and electronic placement to minimize visible cords while still illuminating your merchandise effectively.
Outlets and Access
You may only utilize outlets located within your designated booth or showcase area. Please do not connect to outlets in neighboring booths or public spaces.
Summary
Proper lighting and electrical safety ensure a beautiful, consistent, and safe shopping environment for everyone. By following these guidelines, you help maintain the visual standard and safety of Belleville Market as a whole.