Lori's completed file on Feb. 3, 2014
Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - July 2, 2014


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On Our Radar 
 
* PayPal Phishing Scam. Be careful of possible phishing emails associated with eBay accounts. Consumerist reports that a reader received this email message, which looks very much like an official PayPal request. It wasn't. 
 
* Consumer Spending. As prices rise on everything from gasoline to food, what impact is it having on consumer spending?  
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How do you handle unruly children in the store? A Kansas retailer shared this on giftbeat.com: "Because we have so much glass in the store, my insurance company insists that small children must hold their parent's hand at all times." She says it definitely gets them to move on quickly! Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is a FREE service to subscribers.
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Tip: Use Customers As Models

When it was time to showcase the new Vera Bradley Back to Campus launch, Mary Darcangelo at MacKenzie's turned to three young sisters for the photo shoot. She offered them all a free Vera Lunch Bunch in exchange for posing with the bags. They were thrilled! Mary shared the results on Giftbeat's Community Forum: "So much positive feedback from this campaign...I had one of the best Facebook weeks ever, and increased foot traffic in the shop. Fun for everyone!"
Pick: Sugar Lulu's DIY Jewelry Kits

How cute is this packaging! Sugar Lulu, the tween-centric brand from innovativeKids, offers Design Your Own Jewelry Kits in adorable carrying cases. Each kit includes everything needed to create one-of-a-kind jewelry to wear and share. The "BFF Rings" kit features two adjustable rings and more than 100 jewelry stickers. MSRP: $19.99. There's even a "BFF Pet Charm" kit so girls can create a collar charm for their pets and make a matching charm for themselves! 
Trend: Healthy Indulgence

I attended the Fancy Food Show in New York on Monday, looking for unique food items that might be a fit for gift shops. Of course, I had to sample all the delicious food (an editor has to do what an editor has to do!). The biggest trend I saw was Healthy Indulgence, from flavored coconut water to agave-sweetened frozen desserts to cucumber mint soda. I'll be highlighting a few exciting finds in Giftbeat's next issue. Click here to view the show's sofi™ Award Winners.
Feeling Inspired
"Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty."             
-- Louis D. Brandeis
Happy 4th of July! See you next time!

 
Joyce Washnik, Editor
Giftbeat

P.S. Want more product ideas every month? Follow my Editor's Picks pins on Pinterest!