Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - November 6, 2014

On Our Radar

* Gas Prices.

They're down 8.2% from last year, leaving consumers with more disposable income heading into the holidays. Will that translate to higher sales? Main Street merchants are hopeful.

* Retail Across America: 50 States, 50 Stories. From small family businesses to national brands, each of these companies has one thing in common: a dedication to their customers, employees and communities. See who's featured from your state.

Hot Topic:

Elf On The Shelf

News that Sam's Club is holding an Elf on the Shelf event this month has retailers concerned (even though it's last year's packaging). A Montana shop owner also has seen the product in Costco, prompting a Texas retailer to say, "Those elves sure are multiplying. Maybe they should have been called Bunnies on the Shelf!" To join the discussion, visit our Buying/Product forum. Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is a FREE service for subscribers.

Quick Links

Did you know Giftbeat is on Facebook? Take a look - we are inspired by fall!

Have you seen a recent copy of Giftbeat? Our Sept. 2014 issue is available for download here.

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Tip: Beat Facebook's Algorithm

Want to make your Facebook posts count? Share exclusive content that users won't find anywhere else. Publicize sales, special

offers, contests, raffle prize winners, blog posts, etc. In this article, writer Larry Kim shares 13 techniques to beat Facebook's algorithm -- and boost fan engagement.

Pick: Bee Sweet™ Honey Stirrers

We've mentioned bees as a motif to

watch, and it's exciting to see them emerge in new product introductions. Bee Sweet™ Confections Honey Tea Stirrers from Linda Grayson are a perfect gift for the tea-lover. The selection of cozy flavors includes wild honey, honey lemon, honey cinnamon, honey pomegranate and honey orange blossom. Sold in packs of 12 ($9 cost). Christmas and Valentine's display options also available. Handmade with love and honey -- in the USA (800) 869-9619.

Trend: Spring 2015 Footwear

From p

ointy-toe flats and lace-up booties to bedazzled gladiator sandals, there's a shoe for every fashionista next spring. Check out this slide show to see what women will be wearing. My personal favorite? Nina Ricci's leopard-print mules (slide 18).

Feeling Inspired

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of how things turn out."

- John Wooden

Thanks for joining me. See you next time!

Joyce Washnik, Editor

Giftbeat

joyce@giftbeat.com

P.S. The ideas keep coming! Check out my Display Creativity Pinterest board for Holiday inspiration!