Scott C. BorowskyThis summer feels different from other times of economic recovery. It is a unique climate because the improving business outlook is tinged with the awful realization that according to an article published in the New York Times, over 600,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the United States. Because of the losses, now more than ever is a great time to bring simple pleasures back into the lives of your customers and help them see the possibilities for recovery and change. Depending on your store, stocking cheerful home décor items, meaningful souvenirs, and mood-lifting apparel and jewelry are great ways to help your clientele enjoy their vacations, or just have fun getting out to visit your shop in person. Now is the time to really serve customers and appreciate what retail can do for people by offering social interaction, and a chance to buy thoughtful gifts for self and others. Retailers can also use their expertise to help shoppers find the perfect new piece of flattering apparel, stylish complementary accessories, or other types of feel-good merchandise.
In each issue of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties (SGN), our talented contributors bring you the perspective of store owners, managers, and staff members from all over the United States. Rather than shifting to online-only editions during the pandemic, SGN has continued its print format to bring you coverage on how a variety of store types were faring with closures and changed operations. We are currently covering how stores are dealing with the aftermath of reopening, and many retailers are reporting great optimism for the summer season.
For example, as museums reopen, their stores are noticing a definite uptick in sales, according to the story “Nowhere to Go But Up – Museum Retailers Hope for a Picture Perfect Recovery.” And in the Edible Gifts feature “Mining the Best Candy Store Finds for Customers,” retailers discussed how the summer season can trigger sales of certain classic candies plus some new additions.
We also offer special coverage drawing attention to the ASD, Las Vegas Souvenir and Resort Gift Show and the International Market Centers’ Atlanta and Las Vegas shows. And don’t miss the vendor spotlight stories and product news items.
I hope you enjoy the issue. Please email editorsgnmag@Kanec.com with your questions, comments, and suggestions, and I will respond to your note personally. If you are a vendor interested in putting your products in front of our thousands of readers, please email our advertising sales staff at sgnmag@Kanec.com.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine
