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On Our Radar
* Apps For The New Year. Want to kick-start your productivity this year? Consider adding these six mobile apps to your phone. With Evernote's promise of "extra storage for your brain," I'm ready to put it on my phone now!
* Mobile's Impact On Shopping Patterns. The rise in mobile use is changing shopping habits, as applications check whether items are in stock, direct shoppers to the exact products they're looking for and offer speedy self-checkout.
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Hot Topics:
Bestsellers
Our community forum is buzzing with discussions about what sold over the holidays -- and which lines retailers plan to add (or drop) this year. Before you go to Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas and other shows this month, check out our Buying & Product forum for money-making ideas to get your New Year rolling! Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is a FREE service for subscribers.
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Quick Links
- Have you started following our Facebook page yet? Please take a look - we've spruced it up for winter!
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Tip: Engage On Social Media
Do you ask for feedback in your social media posts? If not, you're missing a chance to build a more personal connection with your customers. Expert Shelly Brown of Social Bug Media says you can show something new  without it being a sales pitch. "Frame it in a way where you are asking their opinion," she suggests. For example, post "We just got in a new line of scarves - which color do you like best?" That way you are talking about your product, but it's not an in-your-face selling tactic. |
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Pick: CBK's "Up in Lights"
 How fun are these signs! "Up in Lights" marquee collection from CBK offers 48 popular and novelty icons, including hearts, XO, hashtag, USA, stars, arrows, nautical, seasonal and blackboard signs (perfect for highlighting new products or sales). Most are metal and all use LED lightbulbs (two AA batteries required). Sugg. retail range: $40-$130.
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Trend: Calling All Foodies
Are you ready for some kalette?  How about a bowl of broccoflower? Crossbred greens are coming to a grocery aisle near you. That's one of the food trends to watch in 2015, according to this roundup. Also making a splash? Ramen noodles, your favorite college meal, are back in a big way, with specialty noodle shops popping up across the country. |
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Feeling Inspired
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it."
-- Alan Kay
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Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Profitable New Year! I'm off to Atlanta. Hope to see you in the aisles!
Joyce Washnik, Editor Giftbeat
P.S. Did you see this Kay Jewelers penguin ad over the holidays? For the record, I think penguin #1's pebble was a lovely gift. It's the thought that counts, right? :) |
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