DALLAS, Jan 7, 1999/ FW/ --- When creating a window or a display, having a theme in mind from the very beginning helps in planning and execution of the project.

The merchandise is a good place to start as a source of inspiration. (1) Is it going to be sportswear? (2) Is it going to be lingerie? (3) Is it a trendy?

Another thing to consider is the season – spring, summer, fall or winter. Remember that clothing on the sales floor correspond to the season. There is no reason to display fur coats during summertime, unless of course the store specializes in fur.

If mannequins are going to be used, the visual merchandiser has to decide whether to use realistic, sculpted heads or even headless ones. Depending on your choice of mannequins, the amount of work varies. Realistic mannequins are harder to maintain, yet they are the most attractive of the lot.

Once a theme has been decided, then you can start gathering the props and designing the background. It can be as simple as creating squares, painting them and adding a photograph or two.

Or it can even be a screen that already exists in the VM warehouse. Just make sure that the screen blends well with the environment you are trying to create.

Props can be risers, vases, flowers (silk or fresh) or chairs. There are a lot of items that already in the VM arsenal that can be used. Remember that there is nothing wrong with reusing items as long as they fit within the theme that you have in mind.

Sports

Summer

Fall