Here's To Greatest Efforts This Winter – February 2022

Scott C. Borowsky

Putting forth your greatest effort this winter, in business and in life, may be a way to combat the uncertainty that is persisting in our stores and communities. It seems as if each day brings information that contributes to a feeling of change, and a shift in the way individuals must conduct themselves to stay safe and well. There really isn’t a choice but to follow the latest advice on vaccinations, mask wearing and public and private gatherings, and to keep moving. Getting enough rest and reaching out to help others are crucial in the current climate, so that employment can be meaningful and energizing, and the best business decisions can be reached.
In each issue of SGN, you can read the opinions and advice of retailers who are facing the same challenges that you deal with daily. For this issue, our team of contributing writers contacted store owners, managers and employees in these states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
Annually in the February edition, to commemorate Toy Fair in New York City, we put a special editorial emphasis on playthings. Toy Fair is canceled this year due to the pandemic, but Toy Fest West is scheduled for March in Las Vegas. And we still offer a special expanded toy section that this year covers toys at toy stores, pharmacies, baby stores and children’s museums.
We also offer a Gift Report that reports on trends in coastal gift stores, country stores, and cave and cavern souvenir stores. And in our ASD Gift and General Merchandise Special Report, we look at gift trends in variety and general stores and at florists.
Jewelry is a perfect way to lift spirits whether purchased for self or as a gift. In our Jewelry section we cover jewelry at aquarium shops and inspirational stores.
We also cover apparel at hospital and public lands stores, home décor at sports fan stores, gourmet gifts at candy stores, soap shop products, Halloween and Christmas best-sellers at party stores, and more.
I hope you enjoy the issue. Please call me at 610-645-6950, or email editorsgnmag@kanec.com with your comments, questions and suggestions. You can also visit us at www.sgnmag@kanec.com or on Facebook.

Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine
610-645-6940