Pallets were used in this display — providing an example of how to reuse something for a prop. A loan or another type of pop-up display can provide additional exposure for a recycling/upcycling business. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN KEZON

What Can You Reuse as Props in Your Display?

By Amy Meadows

You want to save time planning and executing displays. You want to save money by reusing or upcycling props. You want to communicate your commitment to sustainable practices.

A Design Challenge Trifecta

For some businesses, effective visual merchandising comes easily and without undue financial strain. Oh, how I envy you! A display friendly space can make a BIG difference in the impact of well-executed and LOW-COST displays.

Another critical consideration is STORAGE for both your backstock, fixtures, and props. Chances are you already place a priority on storage. Sure, you can make a commitment to reuse prop items, but where are you storing them?

Let’s look at reusable, cost, and storage friendly props that stack, nest, and roll!

Pallets and Scrap Lumber

What can’t we do with pallets? Creative reuses of these shipping essentials include benches, risers, tool storage, and even my brother-in-law’s headboards.

Even if you painted them or pounded nails into them, they still perform as intended for moving companies, storage facilities, and shipping. I am sure if they were torn apart into splintered planks, someone could find a way to use them in a display.

Suspended overhead at a taproom entrance, this assembly of taps also creates an impact from the parking lot as one approaches. Some drilling, a little wire, and I am guessing a simple grid wall were needed to make this wow display happen.

Tools of the Trade

REI does not just talk the talk about low-impact, Earth-friendly
products and practices. It walks the walk with its store fixtures and signage. Bravo. AMY MEADOWS PHOTOS
Items like doors, cabinets, and windows can be rerouted from dumpsters and used in displays.

Fabric scraps. Knitting needles. Bubble wrap and boxes. What is piling up in the back? All those “I’m sure I can do SOMETHING useful with this … but what?”

That something useful could be the foundation of a window display or strike point/trend statement. I have seen terrific windows with curtains of empty clothes hangers.

Find a use for your stray boxes during the holiday season. PHOTO COURTESY OF CYNTHIA WOLSFELD
I am a huge fan of using what you sell (books!) and supporting your store’s brand and/or mission. AMY MEADOWS PHOTO

All Things Paper

The holiday season is always a good opportunity to reuse stray boxes — a quick gift-wrap and ribbon and you are set.

However, remember there are OTHER gift-giving holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. If you want to wrap those boxes for extended reuse, I recommend lightweight Kraft paper and a simple ribbon.

Twine is a nice, affordable neutral that can be enhanced with seasonal décor at the bow. Think dried flowers, twigs, pom-poms, or tags.

Take the same approach with books. Previous articles high­lighted how to use wrapped books as effective risers for jewelry and other accessories.

REI does not just talk the talk about low-impact, Earth-friendly products and practices. It walks the walk with its store fixtures and signage. Bravo.

Mannequins and Fixtures

This may not be on your look-out list, but please be aware many fabrication companies are working to create units or figures that are recyclable or compostable. It is already possible to extend the life of your mannequins and dress forms with a professional paint job or a little reupholstery to replace torn or stained fabric. Please think twice before placing those items in the dumpster.

If you are looking to expand or update your fixture selection, shopping online is daunting — I hate it! I much prefer to scout out fixtures I find in use in various stores.

Do the rack heights adjust easily and smoothly? Are there adjustable feet, so the stands do not wobble?

I put mannequins and forms through the same test for two main reasons. I want to be sure I am buying something well-engineered that justifies the cost, AND I am always worried about the safety of both staff and customers (and merchandise). While this is not as complicated as kicking the tires on a potential new car, it can make a significant difference.

Seeing fixtures in person gives one an idea of how they can be used. AMY MEADOWS PHOTO

Have an interesting display to share? Or a question about visual merchandising strategies for your business or your district? Visit www.windowsmatter.com for more information.