Market stall

Sponges are sold at this roadside stall near Akti Bay on the island of Kalymnos, Greece.

A market stall or a booth is a structure used by merchants to display and house their merchandise in a street market, fairs and conventions. Some commercial marketplaces, including market squares or flea markets, may permit more permanent stalls. Stalls are also used throughout the world by vendors selling street food.

There are many types of stalls, including carts designed to be pulled by hand or cycles; makeshift structures like tents, or converted tow-caravans and motor vehicles.

Market stalls can also provide an effective means of testing buyer responses to new products.

A vendor selling panipuri in Jamshoro, Pakistan.

Distinction and typical characteristics

A stalls differs from a conventional store, in particular in that it is not permanently located in a building, but is placed outdoors or in large spaces for limited periods of time. Sometimes stationary enclosed retail outlets are also called stalls if they are of simple construction (especially walls made of wood, sheet metal, etc.), comparatively small in size, and are usually not allowed by customers. The area where shoppers enter is usually open to the parties, but is often covered by awnings, umbrellas, or something similar.

Options

Stalls that offer fast food for direct consumption are called food stalls.

Mobile quick-build booths and appropriately equipped automobile trailers are common at county fairs or for individual events, and freestanding.

In some markets, stalls actually designed for mobile devices are no longer being dismantled, as in many places in urban markets and many market halls.

Exhibition stalls can be very large and complex in design because of their intended advertising effect, as well as containing enclosed spaces or even showrooms.

A flea market booth is a simple form of stall, usually consisting of one or more folding or wallpapered tables, sometimes covered by large umbrellas, tarps or a tent.