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  Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - July 29, 2015 |
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On Our Radar
* Gender-Neutral Clothing. Gender-neutral fashions are growing in popularity, a trend that may challenge the retail store tradition of keeping men's and women's clothing separate. Selfridges department store in London now offers three floors of unisex clothing.
* Wine And Dine 'Em. How do you encourage customers to spend more time in the store? Offer food and wine, a trend that seems to be growing. Restoration Hardware's newest Tampa store includes a rooftop wine bar.
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Hot Topics:
Coloring Books
WOW. Giftbeat's Community Board is buzzing this summer, from discussions about specific lines (Endless Jewelry, Spartina, Giving Keys and more) to the adult coloring book thread, which has more than 1,200 views. One Washington retailer shares this advice: "Be sure to get colored pencils for your customers. They are a bit more expensive, but customers will buy them." You can find out retailers' top coloring book sources in our Buying/Product forum. Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is FREE for subscribers.
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Quick Links
- Have you started following our Facebook page yet? Please take a look - we post more trends, tips and photos that inspire (including cool displays we find on our shopping expeditions).
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Tip: Reach Out To Realtors
 Whether you're in an established community or newly developing area, people are always moving! That's why a Texas retailer says one of the best ways to reach new customers is through realtors: "We formed relationships with realtors in our area, giving them complimentary $20 gift certificates to give out to their clients and help them look like rock stars. It doesn't cost us anything until the new customers come in and use the certificate." She says you can make the certificates lower, but based on average home prices in her area and the store's average transaction, $20 is the magic number. |
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Pick: "Hot Flashes" Nostalgic Signs
It's hard to pick just one line in the wake of the summer shows, but I think "Hot Flashes" from Artistic Reflections is a perfect starting point! Featuring nostalgic images paired with humorous sayings, each 4x6 box sign is self standing and just $5 cost. Prepack includes 24 bestsellers and free countertop display. Bonus: It's all made in the USA!
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Trend: Not The Same 'Ol Hoops
 Everyone loves a simple hoop earring, but today's hoops are not just round and silver or gold. JCK Marketplace Manager Brittany Siminitz shares her top picks for the hoops that are making waves this summer, featuring unique shapes, dangling accents and colored gemstones, going well beyond the basic wardrobe essential. |
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Feeling Inspired
"Don't hurry, don't worry. You're only here for a short visit, so be sure to stop and smell the flowers."
-- Walter Hagen
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Thanks for joining me! I'm headed to Accessories the Show this weekend. Look for some of my fave finds in upcoming issues of Giftbeat.
Joyce Washnik, Editor Giftbeat
P.S. Tea is hot, with retail sales soaring from just under $2 billion in 1990 to nearly $11 billion last year. New tea products are targeting the female demographic with ingredients geared toward women's health and wellness. |
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