One of the original Emmy mannequins used in the filming of the movie was restored by the store South Fellini and is currently on display in their store, which is located on E Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. (the head/torso are the original pieces).
On filming this movie, G.W. Bailey stated, "We didn't think it would ever be released. It was beyond silliness. We would do outrageous double takes over the lines and say that we hadn't done this kind of stuff since high school. And the director would say, 'More. More. You're going in the right direction with it.' Going in the right direction! We didn't believe this. But suddenly the movie is released, and here's this old-fashioned, silly love story very loosely based on Vênus, Deusa do Amor (1948) and there's not one dirty word in it, not one naked butt." Critics trampled the film, but much to Bailey's surprise, the public loved it.
The scenes for the rival store Illustra were filmed at Boscov's, a real-life department store in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. It's easy to distinguish by the square chandeliers and neon department signs on the walls.
Director Michael Gottlieb got the idea for this movie when he was walking by a store window and saw a mannequin move by itself. He realized it was an illusion, caused by a combination of lights and shadows, then began to wonder what would happen if a mannequin actually came to life.
Before filming this movie, lead star Kim Cattrall spent six weeks posing for a Santa Monica sculptor, who captured her likeness. Six mannequins, each with a different expression, were made. Cattrall later recalled, "There's no way to play a mannequin except if you want to sit there as a dummy. I did a lot of body-building because I wanted to be as streamlined as possible. I wanted to match the mannequins as closely as I could."