Yes, you need a amplifier to run these speakers, you can use any amplifier as per your budget.Any AMP to be bought separately or just direct plug-in to the laptop head phone port ?
For direct plug-in you need active speakers set (which don't need amplifier) are like logitech, F&D, Creative etc with inbuilt amplifier and can be used with any source like Laptop, iPOD, Mobile etc.
Yes, if you can stretch your budget a bit.You advising 1 set of Acoustimass 5 or 2 set of Acoustimass 3?
You can search on OLX and Quikr, there are many options in used ones.
Also another suggestion is go with F&D 2.1 speakers (2/3 sets, like Bose Acoustimass 3) it will cost you very less and will work as what you want, already suggested how you can place 2 sets in your showroom. The quality of sound in F&D speakers is not too bad, and you are not going to play at very high volume, if your source is good then definitely you will be satisfied.
Have a look on products and their reviews here.