Lori's completed file on Feb. 3, 2014
Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - December 3, 2015

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On Our Radar 
 
* Rise Of Mobile Transactions. More than 21% of U.S. smartphone users will use their devices to make a purchase this holiday season, while 34.5% of tablet users will use their tablets to buy holiday gifts, as shoppers shift spending to mobile devices

Black Friday Results. 

Who were the winners and losers of the day? Not surprisingly, Apple and Amazon emerged on top, but Neiman Marcus wasn't as lucky. Black Friday morning is not a good time for a website malfunction!
Hot Topics:
Top-Selling Holiday Gifts
 
A Tennessee retailer, got the discussion rolling by sharing top-selling lines this season (#1 is Charles River raincoats). A Florida shop owner shared several lines, including DM's Fitkicks comfort shoes. Others cited The Good Bead's Ginger Snaps, Noelle's boot socks and Demdaco's City Wrap. You can read more (and share your own bestsellers) in our Buying/Product forum (see "Top Seller" discussion). Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is FREE for subscribers.
Quick Links 
  • Have you started following our Display Creativity board on Pinterest? Please take a look - we share unique display ideas and photos that inspire.
Tip: How To Spot A Thief 
 
Just because a customer has something in hand to purchase, doesn't mean they don't have 10 times as many items hidden. That advice comes from a South Carolina retailer, who recently apprehended a thief in his store -- who turned out to be a third-grade teacher. Although she came to the register to purchase a few items, they confronted her about what else was in her bag. She pulled additional merchandise out and paid for it. But a second confrontation yielded even more stolen goods in the bottom of her bag of tricks! 
Pick: Mark Feldstein Emoji Line

 

A bobble head emoji pen? We'll take a dozen! The fun new impulse item is from Mark Feldstein & Associates, which jumps on the emoji bandwagon with the launch of a gift line featuring popular digital icons, such as Heart Eyes, Smile, Laugh/Tears, Sunglasses and more. In addition to pens, the line includes glass clocks, plush backpack clips, mugs and pillows. Sugg. retail range: $2.95 for pens, $9.95 for clocks and pillows. Floor display holds an assortment of all items.

Trend: Top Food Trends For 2016

mushroom_basket_stump.jpg Are you a fan of butter? If so, then you're in luck next year. Full-fat products, once deemed forbidden, are back in style, according to the editors of Specialty Food News, the daily newsletter of the Specialty Food Association. They identify the top 10 food trends to watch in the New Year, including Fungi Frenzy, Local Love and The Latin Kitchen. 
Feeling Inspired
"Life is about making an impact, not an income."
 -- Kevin Kruse, Forbes contributor
Thanks for joining me! See you next time. 

 
Joyce Washnik, Editor
Giftbeat


P.S. Looking for some holiday inspiration? Take a stroll down New York's Fifth Ave. to see some of this year's most dazzling window displays.