1. Branding & Signage

1. Signage and branding are the first step in making your showcase identifiable to guests.
2. Ensure your trade name or brand is clearly visible within your showcase.
3. Use professional signage that is legible, visually appealing, and reflective of your brand identity.
4. Showcase branding should be consistent with other elements of your selling space, including color palettes, display props, and packaging.

2. Display & Merchandising

1. Creativity Encouraged: Make your showcase visually engaging by using:
   
1. Shelf liners, decorative backings (without adhering directly to the back)
2. Props, risers, or décor to create depth, dimension, and varied presentation levels
3. Grouping items in sets or complementary arrangements for maximum visual impact
2. Footprint Restrictions:
1. All merchandise, props, and signage must remain inside the physical boundaries of your showcase.
2. Nothing may extend above, beyond, or on the sides or top of the showcase.
   
3. Unless otherwise approved, showcases do not include floor space. 
4. This ensures a clean, uniform look across the Market and avoids obstructing walkways or adjacent spaces.
3. Back Panel Restrictions:
1. Do not adhere anything directly to the back of the showcase (backs are typically cardboard and may be damaged).
2. Do not nail, screw, staple, or otherwise alter any part of the showcase. Doing so can result in the loss of your security deposit.
4. Shelf Usage:
1. Avoid empty shelves whenever possible — empty space appears unappealing and reduces perceived product availability.
2. The bottom shelf should not remain empty. If merchandise cannot be placed there, use the space for:
1. Additional branding
2. An attractive container with backstock or complementary items
5. Additional Shelves:
1. Standard showcases have four adjustable shelves.
2. If you need additional shelving, contact the Belleville Market administrative team. Additional shelves may be available.

3. Product Placement & Presentation

1. Arrange items to create visual hierarchy and flow: larger items at the back, smaller items in front.
2. Use risers, stacking, or groupings to add dimension and draw the eye.
3. Maintain balance and proportion to prevent overcrowding or clutter.
4. Ensure all merchandise is clean, dust-free, and properly tagged per Belleville Market standards.

4. Electric & Lighting

1. Showcase units do not have electrical access. Plan your displays accordingly.
2. Do not attempt to add lights, wiring, or fixtures that require electricity.
3. Consider using non-electric props such as reflective surfaces, mirrors, or light-colored backings to enhance visual impact.

5. Maintenance & Tidiness

1. Keep showcases neat, organized, and visually appealing at all times.
2. Dust shelves regularly and remove debris or packaging materials.
3. Reorganize displays as needed to maximize product visibility and guest engagement.
4. Minimize storage or non-sellable items within the showcase — the focus should remain on displaying merchandise.

6. Consistency Across the Market

1. Belleville Market emphasizes professionalism and cohesion in all showcases.
2. All merchants should aim to:
1. Use similar display strategies (risers, shelf liners, spacing) while reflecting their individual brand
2. Avoid practices that disrupt the visual flow across the Market
3. Present merchandise in a way that is uniform, accessible, and visually engaging

7. Enforcement & Best Practices

1. Belleville Market management may request adjustments to ensure your showcase aligns with Market standards.
2. Repeated failure to maintain a professional, consistent, and attractive showcase may result in:
1. Required reorganization or removal of items
2. Offsets applied to your merchant account
3. Tips for Showcase Merchants:
1. Treat each showcase as a miniature storefront — every detail counts.
2. Use props and risers to maximize vertical space and visual interest, but remain within the showcase footprint.
3. Regularly review your display to remove clutter, rotate products, and refresh the look.
4. Remember: an attractive showcase directly impacts guest engagement and sales.

8. Summary

1. Professional and cohesive
2. Visually appealing and well-merchandised
3. Organized, clean, and fully focused on selling merchandise
4. Consistent with the Market’s overall aesthetic