Lori's completed file on Feb. 3, 2014
Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - July 16, 2014


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On Our Radar 
 
* The Phablet.
The smartphone market has been trending toward the phablet (combination phone/tablet) category over the past few quarters, according to Business Insider.
 

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Hot Topic:
Atlanta Finds 
 
What were the "favorite finds" for those who attended the market? Retailers are sharing some of their top product picks on giftbeat.com, from license plate jewelry to burlap items to collegiate apparel and gifts. Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is a FREE service to subscribers.
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Tip: Craig's List To The Rescue
 
Need a great display prop for your store? Don't forget about Craig's List. While perusing the Just Got To Have It! Atlanta showroom, I discovered this awesome 1950s stove in the Anne Taintor display. The showroom's talented merchandising team found the old stove on Craig's List, then painted it this great blue color (it was white) to showcase Anne's retro product line. What a perfect prop! Get more merchandising ideas on my Display Creativity Pinterest board.
Pick: About Face Kray-zee Bells®
 
Here's a fun item that will have your customers   chuckling all the way to the register: Kray-zee Bells® from About Face Designs. The bells feature 16 colorful designs with sentiment such as Ring for Toilet Paper, Ring for Wine, Ring for Remote, Ring for Beer and Ring for Sex. Offered in two styles: traditional bells with handles ($4.50 cost) and key ring bells ($1.50 cost). The company reports that the bells are the HOT item at the summer shows.
Trend: From Wine To Whiskey

Interest in wine accessories continues in the market, but watch the whiskey category come on strong. We found multiple cool products at the summer shows, from Metrokane's Rabbit® Jumbo Chilling Stones to Corkcicle's Whiskey Wedge. Don't miss Giftbeat's August issue for full coverage of the shows, including hot products and the latest trends.
Feeling Inspired
"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."
  - James Taylor
Thanks for joining me. See you next time!

 
Joyce Washnik, Editor
Giftbeat

P.S. Want more new product ideas? Follow my Editor's Picks Pinterest board!