Prop Mart

Ive never ever been treated like such s – t in my entire life. I always come in with a handful of pep n’ grins and this ‘grumpy old man’ was a complete a — — from the second I entered the door. He basically kicked me out. Asked me who I was and how I know about his place. For some reason, I dropped my piddly little names and he said he didnt know them and he couldnt rent to me because the owners didnt know me. Listen you little primadonna, I worked as a set decorator for years in a real industry with real prop houses and have never been treated half as bad. Its time to retire, you $&@/-($&!

sounds like Seattle takes things personal. If you’re looking for a best friend buy a dog…
This is a well organized well run business. They rent props. Great selection of oddball and everyday things. Their tableware selection is pretty extensive. So if you’re a professional and need to rent props, check them out. I’ve been doing business with them since 1985.

There is nothing quite like Prop Mart.
And I, for one, am so thankful they exist!
If they did not, myself, and many other Chicago based photo stylists would be unable to do our jobs as efficiently and thoroughly as we do.
First off, it’s not a store, it’s a prop rental house. For people in the business.
The sheer number of beautifully selected items they stock is amazing.
Dishes, cutlery, glassware, table linens, vases, napkins, trays, baskets, etc., etc.
And it is IMPECCABLY organized. And clean.
Say you’ve got a client who calls you on short notice and wants you to come up with the following:
Five different types of marble shooting surfaces.
An antique western horse saddle.
A jeweled scepter.
A zinc topped table.
A lobster trap.
One trip to Prop Mart will solve all your worries.
Trust me, they’ll have it.
Tom and company have outstanding taste, not to mention organizational skills.
And I have found them to be consistently nice, professional and knowledgeable.
I have been going there for years and they have saved my neck more than once.
Thank you, gentlemen.
I appreciate you!

The good: Clean and organized.
The bad: The worst interpersonal business experience I have had in years. Maybe ever. And I deal with upset people for a living!
I will never again set foot in this store as long as I live, and I suggest you follow my example.
Rumor has it that there are two folks who run this store: one who is very nice, and one who is… not. If you want to go, perhaps you should test the waters by phoning first.
Or you could take your business to Propabilities instead, where they flirt with chaos — but *friendly, helpful, reasonably-​priced* chaos.