Lori's completed file on Feb. 3, 2014
Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - October 1, 2014


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* Auto-Delete Option. Businesses that promote limited-time offers through Facebook may find useful a new feature being tested that would allow users to set a time for posts to be automatically deleted. That could come in handy for events, coupons, contests and sales.

Jewelry Sales. 

Consumers increased their spending on jewelry in the first nine months of the year, part of a general trend toward more luxury spending.

Hot Topic:
Pricing Fashion
 
If you carry fashion and want tips on how to price it, there's a hot topic on our website, where retailers are sharing what works for them (one retailer's pricing strategy is inspired by Alex and Ani). Good stuff! You can find the discussion in our Buying/Product forum. Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is a FREE service for subscribers.
Quick Links 
  • Interesting news, cool trends and posts that make you smile! Find all of it and more by liking our Facebook page.
  • Have you seen a recent copy of Giftbeat? Our Sept. 2014 issue is available for download here.
Tip: Make Your Staff The Star
 
At a Florida retailer's shop, sales associates are the stars of the store's Facebook page and email blasts. By photographing the women in a line, all wearing black, it's easy to change the photo seasonally by
adding simple elements like a witch's hat with an orange background. Customers love it! But the best part is rallying the staff together to do something fun. Note: The retailer uses Photoshop software to create the graphics, but free programs such as GIMP or Inkscape offer similar functions.
Pick: "Flash of Fancy" Tattoos


Metallic tattoos are HOT, with fashion magazines, style blogs, Pinterest, Etsy and more touting the cool new fashion accessory. Lolo by New Dimensions is on-trend with "Flash of Fancy," gold and silver temporary tattoos that double as jewelry. At just $2.50 cost, each pack contains 15-20 stylish tattoos, from arrows to feathers to chain links. 

Trend: Spring 2015 Fashion

Are you ready to see what will influence spring 2015 fashion? Here's a slideshow that will inspire you. There's something for every fashionista, whether you enjoy girlie looks (think ruffles), preppy patterns (gingham, anyone?) or boho chic (fringe alert!). 
Feeling Inspired
"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."
  - Dalai Lama
Thanks for joining me. See you next time!

 
Joyce Washnik, Editor
Giftbeat

P.S. As the fourth quarter begins, look for fresh ideas for Halloween, Harvest and Holiday on my Display Creativity Pinterest board. I invite you to follow along!