Scott C. BorowskySummertime can be a boon for all types of stores, from shops at entertainment and edutainment destinations to local gift, jewelry, pharmacy, hardware, toy and other retail outlets. During these few months, all of your planning and hard work will be evident in a merchandise-filled location and engaged customers. But don’t forget to live in the moment, too, by taking stock of what merchandise and which displays are generating the most interest. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to slow down a bit and enjoy your customers, as your store is sure to draw tourists with stories to tell and regulars with questions and news.
This issue is packed with retailing advice and industry and product news, and also offers special show sections for IGES, Las Vegas Souvenir and Resort, and ASD. The edition also features: a look at how a selection of stores handle summer sale events; customer service tips for fan and minor league baseball stores; display tips for personal care, candle and glass gift merchandise; how to sell more signs, windchimes, flags and banners; how to prevent theft at boutiques; the picture regarding Made in the USA merchandise; how to sell gifts and souvenirs at zoos, aquariums and caves and more.
Each fall ahead of New York City’s Toy Fair, we offer expanded coverage of toys. But you may not realize that SGN is committed to offering the best playthings coverage all year long in our Plush and Toys section. This issue is no exception, and in it we cover selling more plush and puppets at zoos and aquariums, doing well with plush, toys and games at the nation’s public lands, surprise selling successes at toy stores and a profile of a company that offers custom plush.
The issue also examines best-sellers at pet stores, back-to-school merchandise, gourmet products and jewelry trends. Additionally, in The Back Story, we cover coloring books for adults, a product trend that is enjoying wide popularity among everyone from patients in health care settings to young adults and seniors.
I hope that you enjoy the issue. Please email me at editorsgnmag@kanec.com with your comments, questions and suggestions, and I will respond to your note personally. Also don’t forget to visit the magazine on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine
