RE Boutique - Boise, ID

Almost anything can be used as a prop when creating accessory displays. Interesting displays draw added attention to any merchandise.

RE Boutique of Boise, Idaho, uses a screen door, hung horizontally, as a jewelry display. Necklaces hang easily on the screened areas and the addition of extra doorknobs creates more visual interest and they double as display hooks.

Street Chic - Northbrook, IL

Displaying scarves can be challenging. Street Chic Boutique of Northbrook, IL, uses oversized martini glasses to feature colorful scarves on a display table. Such props bring dimension to otherwise flat products. You can also purchase replica margarita or martini glasses (complete with fake olives). A fake spilled wine glass is sure to catch your customers’ attention. I have several sources for such props; email me for info.

The Primrose Shop - Orlando, FL

The Primrose Shop in Orlando, FL, displays bangles on upright bamboo rods. Not only does this maximize display area by going “up”, it also serves to contain items that tend to get untidy when on display. I have used paper towel holders to create similar displays. Sometimes the trick is to use everyday items for visual merchandising props. Try ignoring an item’s intended use, turn it upside down, sideways and backwards to evaluate it’s usefulness as a display prop.

Retail Therapy - Saginaw, MI

Retail Therapy - Saginaw, MI

Twigs and branches are another idea of props you can use over and over and in many scenarios. Retail Therapy of Saginaw, MI, features several jewelry items on small branches. It’s another example of a unique way to display bangle bracelets. Larger branches, frequently spray painted, can be used in store windows. The simplicity of tree branches does not take away from the merchandise and makes it easy to hang products in the store window.

Cedar Chest - Media, PA

Have you ever considered using dollhouse furniture as display props? Miniatures work especially well in display cases. I have used a six inch grand piano, mini canopy bed, a harp and a beautiful eight inch victorian hutch. The Cedar Chest in Media, PA, uses a miniature loveseat bench to display a necklace and shoes.

Doozie Chic Boutique - Stillwater, MN

Here’s another cute display using a wooden cabinet door and old doorknobs. It makes a lovely Christmas display at Doozie Chic Boutique in Stillwater, MN.

Every day I receive numerous pictures of store displays.  It used to be that you needed professional photos for catalogs and ads. In many cases, you still do. However, many retailers are using photos on their websites and Facebook pages. These photos can be taken with any digital camera. Here are a few tips and examples to make your

Velvet Fly - Boston, MA

digital photos more effective in showcasing your merchandise and your stores. Taking pictures of your whole store is a good way to give potential customers a virtual tour of your store. However, when you want to feature specific items, your store can be a distracting place to photograph and too busy a backdrop. An alternative idea is to use your fitting room as a photo studio. It is usually uncluttered and hopefully, well lit. It allows you to feature a product while still taking the picture in your store. The Velvet Fly in Boston, MA, does just this. By the way, if you have an extra fitting room that seldom gets used, you can set up a semi-permanent display like this one and maximize your selling space. 

Clementines - Seattle, WA

The simple addition of pink scarves inside these black shoes at Clementine’s in Seattle, WA, make the shoes so much more noticeable – in store and in photos.

Monkee's - Charleston, SC

Monkee’s of Daniel Island,  in Charleston, SC, takes product pictures next to a full-length mirror.  This is like having two pictures in one, allowing you to show the back of the product at the same. I saved this tip for last since it is one of my absolute favorite ideas for display pics!

~Becky