Mean queen of props

How attached am I to our display pieces? Very. How often do people get irritated with me because I won't sell them? Daily.

But here's the thing. Some stores go out and buy shelving units, tables, racks, etc. from retail specialty supply companies. They're surprisingly expensive and often ugly. At best, they're utilitarian, but nothing else. Some shop owners have the budget to invest in custom cabinetry and tables. It's hugely expensive, as you might imagine. Think remodeling a kitchen, then double it, or more. If you don't go broke in the process, the end result gives you continuity and elegant display surfaces that enhance but don't compete with the products. It's all about getting things up at eye level and making it all look luscious and easy to figure out.

We're more "seat of the pants" people, so building custom shelving was never an option (oh, except for the wonderful pieces Robert built for our River Mall Avenue location, but that was all before some workshop disasters...). Besides, if there's ever extra money, we'd rather buy more inventory rather than better shelves to put it on.

So, as Robert will attest, I am always on the hunt for more unusual display pieces, to the point of being a first-class pest. Funny, though, now when we walk into an antiques store and he spies some funky table, he's the first one to say, "Ohhh, that would be great for display."

I think he mocks me.

Anyway, a good display piece can turn lots and lots of inventory. It helps pull things up closer to eye level; makes everything more noticeable; and provides a home with the right background to make items "pop." It sets the tone and the mood of the shop, and tells you you're not in some generic chain store.