Scott C. BorowskyYour store is a reflection of your viewpoints, philosophies and beliefs about how to operate a successful business. As you strive to make profits and foster loyal customers, don’t forget to bring your staff along with you. Whether it is a new employee just learning how you want business conducted or a veteran staff member who has contributed so much to your success, making your store a space where opinions are valued and creativity is fostered can be challenging, especially when the day-to-day operations are busy. Making the time to check in with everyone regularly, and striving to have employees work with you as opposed to for you, are invaluable ways to be that can ensure a smooth operation where employees want to stay.
In each issue of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties (SGN), we strive to let owners, managers and buyers speak about the sales trends they are experiencing as well as offering operational advice. Our knowledgeable Contributors interview retailers all over the country to get the broadest possible base of opinions from a variety of store types. Not finding your store classification in the magazine? Many of the insights offered in SGN stories can apply to any type of shop, but you can also email us at editorsgnmag@kanec.com and we will be happy to include your business in a future edition.
This issue, in addition to the best stories about retail, we offer the special Profiles in Excellence feature. The Profiles are a chance for vendors to discuss their products and services. If you are a business interested in being featured in the next installment of the Profiles, please contact our adverting sales staff at sgnmag@kane.com.
Each edition we offer sections covering all of the top merchandise categories, including jewelry, apparel, gifts, toys and others. In this issue’s jewelry section, we cover trends and sales strategies at a selection of Black-owned stores, jewelry sales trends at coastal boutiques, and more. And in the Apparel and Accessories section, we offer a look at baby apparel and accessories. Also in the area of apparel, the issue features stories on museum and resort and seaside store apparel sales.
The changing pandemic is causing a ripple effect into the retail world. This issue’s Year-Round Christmas Stores story offers a look at how the two pandemic years are affecting current spending on holiday decorations. And a story on quality gifts and home décor also illuminates how some customers are spending bigger to beautify their homes.
This issue also offers an expanded Gifts section, and stories covering toy trends.
I hope you enjoy the magazine. Please contact me with your comments, questions or suggestions by emailing editorsgnmag@kanec.com. For advertising opportunities, vendors can email our sales staff at sgnmag@kanec.com.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine
