My Favorite Bags and Carts for Pop-Ups After 10 Years in NYC
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever wondered how to transport merchandise to a pop-up, market, craft fair, or trade show without a car, you’re in the right place. As a 5’4” small business owner in New York City, I’ve spent the last 10 years hauling jewelry, displays, inventory, and supplies across Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan using the subway, buses, and plenty of walking. While I’d always choose an Uber if money and traffic weren’t factors, I’ve become surprisingly good at moving heavy merchandise by myself. Good lugging isn’t just about making things easier for yourself—it’s also about being considerate of everyone sharing the sidewalk, subway, and stairs with you. Here are my top three recommendations for transporting merchandise and setting up for your next craft fair, pop-up market, or trade show.
The IKEA Bag: Best Budget Bag for Pop Ups
The IKEA bag is a market vendor staple for carrying inventory. While I don’t use it as much for transporting inventory anymore, she is an old friend I will never forget. IKEA bags are inexpensive, large, and finished with sturdy handles that won’t break. This is my top option if you’re on a budget and aren’t ready to invest in a rolling utility cart. Tip: Place a piece of folded cardboard in the bottom of the bag to create a flat, sturdy base and keep it from sagging.
Utility Cart: Best Cart for Oversized Displays
A rolling utility cart is an upgrade from the IKEA bag, and I love the open top in case you need to carry oversized event displays, setup materials, or vendor supplies. I always opt for a utility cart over a wagon. Remember, any rolling cart will eventually have to be carried up a flight of stairs at a pop-up or market. A utility cart has two side handles, so you can easily carry it up and down stairs when needed. A wagon doesn’t have side handles, and its long shape makes it almost impossible for one person to carry upstairs without hogging the entire staircase. Tip: Pick up a few bungee cords from a dollar store to secure extra supplies or stack inventory without worrying about things falling off.
Hulken Bag: Best Rolling Bag for Vendors
I was gifted a Hulken by my aunt, and I was instantly obsessed. It’s expensive, but worth it, and it’s one of my top recommended items for street fairs, flea markets, trade shows, and craft fairs. I knew I had a good bag when an MTA worker praised me and said, “Oh! You got one of the good bags!” This is now my rolling tote and cart of choice, and I bring my two Hulkens (yes, I got another one) to every pop-up market and craft fair. The wheels don’t get stuck and glide easily. There’s a zip-closed top in case you need to protect your merchandise from rain or snow. Tip: Be careful not to overfill it.
There isn’t one perfect solution for every event and I like to have all on hand. If you’re just getting started, an IKEA bag is always best but if you’re transporting larger items, a utility cart is an easy upgrade. And if you regularly do pop-up markets, trade shows, or craft fairs, I genuinely think a Hulken is a good investment. After years of hauling inventory around New York City, these are the three options I love to use and recommend.
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