At May’s Hucknall Business Club meeting, members were treated to a practical and highly visual presentation from Dawn of Dawn to Dusk Alchemy, focusing on something many small businesses overlook: display and merchandising.

Drawing on her experience attending craft fairs, markets and events, Dawn demonstrated how small changes to presentation can completely change the way customers interact with a business stand.

The message throughout the session was simple. Before people buy from you, they need to notice you.

Creating Curiosity

One of the first points Dawn highlighted was that flat displays often struggle to catch attention, especially in busy event spaces where people are walking past from a distance.

Flat products on flat tables tend to disappear into the background.

Instead, she encouraged businesses to create depth and verticality, even if it is done with nothing more than the boxes you already brought with you.

In one demonstration, basic storage boxes were hidden underneath the tablecloth to create height and levels across the display table. Simple, low cost and surprisingly effective.

Dawn explained that during her time working with Tupperware, she learned an important lesson:

“Anything you carry with you can be turned into a display.”

That mindset sparked plenty of ideas around the room.

Think Visually

A second display showed how branding and presentation can work together.

Using natural materials such as tree trunk slices and garden offcuts, Dawn demonstrated how Dawn to Dusk Alchemy’s handmade soaps could be displayed in a way that reflected the business itself. Natural products, natural textures.

The display looked polished, yet much of it was built using simple everyday items, including basic IKEA storage boxes underneath.

It was a good reminder that effective merchandising does not always require expensive equipment. Often it is more about forethought and creativity.

Business cards were another small but important detail. Easy to forget, but essential to have clearly visible for people who may not be ready to buy immediately.

Breaking the Barrier

One particularly relatable point focused on the way many stallholders position themselves.

Sitting behind a table can unintentionally create a barrier between you and potential customers. Dawn encouraged members to move around the side of the display, engage casually with browsers and avoid disappearing into the background.

As Geoff commented during the session: “Everything in this world is visual.”

The presentation also sparked discussion around how service-based businesses can apply the same thinking. Royston Barksby suggested using “curiosity pieces” on a stand or table, items that naturally prompt questions and start conversations.

A special mention also went to Tim from Stopfords, who stepped in to help Dawn rearrange the displays live during the session.

Practical, hands-on and full of useful takeaways, the presentation was a reminder that sometimes the smallest presentation changes can make the biggest difference to how people notice and remember your business.

If you would like to learn more about Dawn to Dusk Alchemy, their handmade products, or the events and fairs they attend throughout the year, you can get in touch using the contact details below.

• Website: dawntoduskalchemy.co.uk
• Email: dawn@dawntoduskalchemy.co.uk
• Phone: 07395 085 288