There’s always something to smile about in this business.As I was flipping through the pages in this edition of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties, I was struck by how much positive momentum was taking place. It was hard not to have a smile on my face as I read the cover story about the National Zoo and the panda craze that has taken hold inside its gates. I love how the gift shop is responding in kind with an array of souvenirs featuring these bamboo-loving giants.
I also couldn’t believe the number of stores I read about that had either opened or expanded or had been recently remodeled. And I also got a bit nostalgic about my ’80s childhood while reading about the Sock Monkey Museum. It seems with every story, there is some positive takeaway that people in the gift and souvenir industry enjoy what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious. It is evident in the products they stock and the customers who leave their store satisfied with perfect memento in hand.
"It seems with every story, there is some positive takeaway that people in the gift and souvenir industry enjoy what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious.”
There aren’t too many other industries out there where extending someone’s happy experience is just part of the job. And the camaraderie in the industry is just as astounding. Groups like ZAG (Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group), MSA (Museum Store Association) and GHTA (Gift & Home Trade Association) create such a warm and welcoming environment for members to mingle and exchange ideas. If you aren’t already part of one of these groups, I strongly encourage you to join.
There also continues to be so much good going on in our industry. In each issue, on the last page of the magazine, we leave you with an uplifting story about our latest Sunshine Award winner, which is a store that is giving back to their community or charitable causes in some special way. This issue honors Pebbles Toys & Gifts in New Haven, Connecticut, for its generous monetary and goods donations to benefit children’s nonprofits.
So if you are looking for a boost, some inspiration or some fun product ideas to elevate the mood at your store, then you’ve come to the right place. I hope these pages of Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties provide you with the tools you need for a successful fall buying season, a stellar holiday season on the horizon and something to smile about.
|
