As a destination retailer, you are in the business of putting smiles on people’s faces. When someone comes into your store and finds the perfect souvenir from their visit or unique gift for a loved one that they can’t get back home, then you’ve done your job. And every time you can accomplish that for your customer, that should also make you happy.
But there are many retailers across the country that don’t just stop there. These retailers understand what it means to give back, and it can take many forms. For some, it is hosting a fundraiser like a sip and shop that benefits a local charity. For others, it is a clothing or food drive. Still others are purposeful in the merchandise they carry in their stores, being sure to carry products that are environmentally friendly and responsibly sourced.
No matter the way these retailers are giving back, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties wants to recognize them. Starting with our January/February issue, we launched the Sunshine Awards, sponsored by Impulse Souvenirs, which recognize these retailers for whom giving back is part of the way they do business.
The goal with the Sunshine Awards is not only to highlight the many stores out there that understand the importance of giving back, but to also inspire other stores to do the same. You can read about this issue’s winner, Blue Ridge Cotton Company, on p. 90.
If your store is doing something in the way of charity or products that support a good cause — no matter how big or how small — we’d like to hear from you. You can email me with your story of giving back or fill out a nomination form at www.sgnmag.com/sunshine-award.
We want to share these stories of giving back and the impact it has on people and the planet. We look forward to hearing from you.
