How Retailers Are Styling Fair Trade Displays for the Holiday
A beautiful product is powerful. A beautiful display is irresistible.
Fair trade products naturally lend themselves to rich, layered displays, full of texture, color, and story. Across boutiques, gift shops, markets, and museum stores, retailers are using artisan-made goods to transform their holiday merchandising and draw customers in.
Here’s how we’re seeing retailers style fair trade pieces this season—and how you can bring those ideas into your own space.
Image courtesy of Latitudes Stores
1. Basket Walls and Basket Towers
Handwoven baskets are art on their own. Hung on a wall or stacked in tiers, they become instant focal points.
Ideas retailers are using:
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A “basket wall” behind the checkout or feature table
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Stacked hampers and plan
ters by the entrance to create a “wow” moment
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Nesting baskets displayed as a cascading tower, grouped by color story
Baskets also double as functional props: use them to hold throws, toys, soaps, yarn, or small wrapped gifts so shoppers see how they work at home.
Image courtesy of ZeeBee Market
2. Holiday Table Set-Ups with Global Flair
Tabletop pieces—wooden spoons, napkin rings, placemats, trays—look their best when they’re shown in use.
Retail styling ideas:
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Set a small “holiday table” with placemats, napkin rings, and a woven tray centerpiece
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Pair wine charms with locally made wines or glassware
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Create a “Host & Hostess Gifts” section with bundles of tabletop goods
Customers love anything that helps them imagine their own home looking that way.
Image courtesy of Latitudes Stores
3. Gift Bundles: Curated Sets That Sell Themselves
Bundles make decision-making easier for busy shoppers—and they’re a great way to increase average order value.
Bundle ideas using fair trade products:
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Self-care gift: soapstone heart + mini basket + candle
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Kitchen lover: wooden serving spoons + napkin rings + tea towel
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Creative kid: African doll + mini basket + soapstone animal
Include a small tag: “Fair trade, artisan-made, supports women artisans.”
Or simply adding flowers to any basket shows the customer what it can be used for.
4. Kids’ Corner: Gifts for Little Ones
Children’s displays are an easy place to champion fair trade.
Set aside a small area with:
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African dolls
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Soapstone animals
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Mini baskets for toys or crayons
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Small drums or instruments
Use signage like: “Teach global connection through play.” Parents are often looking for toys that feel thoughtful and intentional.
Image courtesy of ZeeBee Market
5. Storytelling Signage
The difference between a pretty product and a powerful product is the story you tell.
Retailers who see the strongest response from fair trade often use simple, clear messaging:
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“Handmade in Kenya by women artisans”
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“Fair trade, supporting families across Africa”
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“Upc-ycled fabrics, turning waste into income”
You don’t need paragraphs—just a few lines that help customers feel connected to the maker.
Image courtesy of ZeeBee Market
6. Bringing It All Together
The most effective fair trade displays are:
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Visually rich (color, texture, layers)
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Easy to shop (clearly priced, grouped logically)
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Story-backed (with at least one sign or tag about fair trade impact)
When your store reflects both beauty and purpose, customers feel good about what they’re buying. They don’t just leave with a product—they leave with a story they’re excited to share.
And that’s what keeps them coming back.
Image courtesy of ZeeBee Market
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