As in motion pictures, the retailer has the option to fill display sets with props, which help to maximize sales along with merchandise flavor. You can promote a fall theme by bringing in a rake, dried leaves and a wheelbarrow as props for store merchandise. Ralph Lauren uses saddles and stirrups to merchandise belts. Waterworks used an old bathtub filled with clear Christmas ornaments (to look like bubbles) as a backdrop to promote bath products. You could use flexi-flyer sleds as a prop for a winter theme promotion or promote "your ideal summer break with the family" by using towels, lotion, sunglasses and a beach umbrella as a backdrop for product.

Be aware of local events that are taking place in your area. For example, if there is a music festival in your town, but your products have no relation to the music field, your props can still reflect the event with music stands as pedestals and instruments as background accents.

The best recommendation for gathering props is to look no further than a friend or relatives storage area. First, start with people who have an established reputation for bargain hunting and collecting and recruit them as your prop suppliers. Unusual items like wire baskets, old-fashioned fruit scales, funny hats, picture frames and artificial flowers often serve as great props. A quick dash of spray paint on some of the items may give new life to the once weathered products. Since props usually enhance the products look, it is best to display the merchandise in front of the props.

Some prop houses provide the service of renting unusual items. However, most prop houses are geared toward the commercial and advertising industries and rent their products on a daily or weekly basis. Consider purchasing props and special items since most props are expensive to continually rent. Garage sales are excellent resources for used items where traditional as well as modern items can be found to fill the need to further a visual look. Consider a prop barter system and borrow a neighboring company's item in exchange for full credit in your window. If your store sells home textiles and you would like to create a table linen display, consider asking a local retailer of tabletop products to loan you place settings to enhance the presentation of your product. The obliging retailer could be credited on place cards at each table.