Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - November 12, 2015
On Our Radar
* Ban On "Gag" Clauses. Could a federal law be coming that prevents companies from trying to use "gag" clauses that threaten legal action (or financial penalties) if customers write or say anything negative about a business? The Consumer Review Freedom Act would make it a violation of the FTC Act to use an unfair non-disparagement clause in a consumer contract.
* Gift Cards.
Gift cards sales are forecast to grow 5% this year (to $130 billion), and digital gift cards are on track to double to $14 billion by 2017.
Hot Topics:
Successful Open House
A South Carolina retailer, excited about her Christmas open house event last week (she brings in about $10,000 in just 2 1/2 hours), shared the results with her peers: "Our Vera rep came. She told me that she hasn't seen a crowd like that in years. I could write a book about all the things we've done wrong over the last 10 years. But it's easier to say what we've figured out to do right!" You can find her tips in our Ask A Retail Expert forum ("What a difference a week makes"). Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is FREE for subscribers.
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How can a gift shop owner make a statement with apparel? By dedicating at least 250 square feet, says fashion expert T.J. Reid of Fashion Advantage magazine: "It's not like accessories that can be worked into other displays and placed alongside gift items. Clothing requires shelving and racks and a space for a dressing room area. You can double up on racks by using two tiers, but it won't work to just have a rack or two over in the corner. That's not a commitment. That's just buying some shirts and putting them out to sell." (Note: T.J. is offering a special subscription/membership price of $36.)
Pick: Pop's Hummingbird Swings
How cute is this! It's a swing/perch for hummingbirds. Designed by William Sloan (Pop), who would watch hummingbirds retreat to a nearby twig after feeding, the Pop's Birding Company swing is offered in black wrought iron, brown finish and white trellis designs. Sugg. retail: $12.99. Look for more product details and sales tips in our Dec./Jan. issue.
Trend: Peekaboo Bridal Gowns
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something...see-through? It looks like racy bridal gowns may be next year's wedding trend. Designers showed off their 2016 bridal collections, with styles that give the illusion of bare skin and lacy designs over nude fabrics. The inspiration seems to be coming from the Red Carpet, where celebrities wear revealing dresses that leave little to the imagination.
Feeling Inspired
"Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities; seize common occasions and make them great."
P.S. And now for something completely different: a British cat pub! Bag 'ONails is a cozy watering hole -- and home to 15 cats. Sounds like the purrfect place to unwind after a busy day, doesn't it?
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something...see-through? It looks like racy bridal gowns may be next year's wedding trend. Designers 