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  Ideas To Help Power Your Gift Shop - March 9, 2016 |
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On Our Radar
* Retail Job Growth.
Retailers accounted for 51,100 of the 242,000 new jobs created in February, after adding 52,100 the previous month. "This solid report shows that the consumer is confident and continuing to shop," says Jack Kleinhenz, NRF chief economist.
* Facial Recognition Robots.
Robotic technology used by law enforcement is being adapted for use in retail stores, with robots that would be able to recognize return customers and suggest new products based on previous purchases.
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Hot Topics:
Out-Of-Stock Merchandise
Retailers are expressing frustration with some product lines shown at the winter markets that won't be available for months. A Washington retailer asks if this is the new norm. Yes, says an Alabama shop owner: "No one wants to plan ahead. These vendors go to market and take orders. Once they have an idea of what's selling, they place the orders and we wait three months." Have you noticed the same thing? Join the discussion in our Ask A Retail Expert forum. Reminder: Access to Giftbeat's Community Board is FREE for subscribers.
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Quick Links
- We just added some new pins to our Display Creativity board. Are you following
us yet? Please take a look and get inspired!
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Tip: Accept Phone-Based Payments
 Mobile marketing is becoming increasingly important, says Jennifer Shaheen, founder of Technology Therapy Group. To make your store more mobile-friendly, she suggests retailers get to know Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and other apps that allow customers to leave their wallets at home: "If you accept these types of payment forms, you may be ahead of larger retailers, and can promote this feature as an extra reason to shop at your store." Subscribers can read more valuable technology tips from Jennifer in Giftbeat's March issue. |
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Pick: Walton Wood Farm
We watched in Atlanta as women stopped to view the Walton Wood Farm line, read the labels and began laughing at products like the "Week From Hell Hand Rescue" and "B*itch Emergency Shower Retreat." Then more women would stop to see what all the laughter was about! With a focus on creative packaging and entertaining sentiment, the bath-and-body line brings fun and function together, with themes for everyday, moms, nurses, bridal and more. Costs start at $7.95.
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Trend: Swarovski's Take On 2017
 Is it too soon for some 2017 inspiration? JCK magazine attended a presentation at Swarovski's Los Angeles showroom, where Libby Hirst, head of sales for Swarovski's West division, shared some of the macro-economic trends influencing our lives, along with key style and color trends to watch, each patterned after a classic element: (1) Air/Weightlessness and Transparency; (2) Earth/Natural, Bohemian Luxe; (3) Water/Aquatic Elements; and (4) Fire/Red-Hot Glamour. |
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Feeling Inspired
"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."
-- Charles Dickens
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Thanks for joining me! See you next time.
Joyce Washnik, Editor Giftbeat
P.S. Need more time in your day? Feeling overwhelmed? This article shares some useful tips for how to work more efficiently -- and still have time for a life outside of work. |
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