| 1. | Getting Personal
Personalized gifts and accessories have always been popular. But the trend is growing - especially with monograms and initials. >> Get ideas on personal monogrammed products for your store |
| 2. | Tips for Improving Your Web Site
Carol Schroeder
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How can you improve your web site to compete with big box retailers? >> Read Carol's tips for your store's web site |
| 3. | Gotta Have It!
It's the little things that give shoppers the urge to splurge. That very feeling is what drives impulse sales. >> Read about new ideas for impulse items |
| 4. | Controlling Freight Costs
Have you tracked the freight costs on your incoming shipments? You might be shocked to see some run as high as 32 percent of the invoice. >> Read how to get this runaway expense under control. |
| 5. | Merchandise, Markdowns and MoveoutsBy Cinda Baxter, 6/3/2008
Cinda Baxter
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Take a look around your store. How much stuff do you see that's overstayed its welcome?
Given the consumer market, there's never been a more critical time for merciless re-examination of the lines you carry and the products you have on your shelves. >> Read Cinda’s suggestions on freeing up some cash |
| 6. | What's a 'Store Brand,' Anyway?Every store has a brand in the eyes of their customers.
Do you ever ask yourself how your customers see your store? And what you can do to strengthen it?
>> Review some tips on improving your brand |
| 7. | Home GrownIs it time we started paying more attention to products made in the States?
Following last year's product recalls, consumers are increasingly paying attention to the source of the items they want to purchase. Is it time we started paying more attention to products made in the States? >> Should you increase your “Made in USA” items? |
| 8. | Hello Retailers!Your store or website might be a winner. Or maybe you have a winning marketing/advertising campaign. And what about one of your reps -- a winner? You just never know! >> Read more |
| 9. | All in the FamilyGenerate second quarter sales and cultivate the next generation of customers by promoting Mother's and Father's Day Boost your second-quarter sales and woo future customers with a focus on Mother's and Father's Day. >> Read more on how the holidays are a great way to reach these hard-to-reach consumer groups |
| 10. | Managing Cash Resources The credit-card sales in your store are OK, but yikes, look at the fees. Indeed, do take a close look at the fees. That’s the advice from Carole Schroeder, retailing expert. >> Learn how to better manage your credit card expenses |
| 11. | Dinner at the Stirrup ClubLarger-than-life settings offer all kinds of merchandise a place at the table It’s a fact: Tabletop product sells better when it’s displayed in an eye-catching manner. And it’s even better when you can cross-merchandise with other decorative accessories and gifts. Melissa Haberstroh offers directions on how to build a clever tabletop design. >> Read Melissa's tips for clever design |
| 12. | The Buying Power of Men 1/2/2008  Men – you gotta love them, but more importantly, you gotta pay attention to them as a growing market for your store. >> Look at the numbers of the buying power of men |
| 13. | Last Minute Hires & Holiday Scheduling
The holiday rush, we hope, is just around the corner. Carol Schroeder gives suggestions on how to best hire additional part-time staff as well as schedule your staff. >> Click here for Carol’s staffing suggestions |
| 14. | Making the Most of the HolidaysMaximizing sales in November and December will be important to your store's success. Carol, a retailing veteran who has managed her store though 30 holiday seasons, offers tips to ensure your store is prepared to take advantage of the holiday sales opportunity. >> Click here to 'Make the Most of Your Holidays' |
| 15. | Was your OneCoast Territory Manager honored as 'Outstanding Sales Rep' by Gifts & Dec Magazine?
Your Sales Rep?
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Not sure? Be sure to read on about this talented and creative OneCoast sales rep who was honored at the annual Gifts & Decorative Accessories Retailer Excellence Awards on Aug 12 in New York City. >> Find out the identity of this Outstanding Rep |
| 16. | Inspired!Gifts that lift customers' spirits help boost the bottom lineThe gift industry is a business of sentiment, with sales driven by what makes consumers feel good rather than by what they strictly need. After September 11th, inspirational and religious products took center stage along with patriotic merchandise. But while red, white and blue have largely receded to their usual niche, inspirational gifts have continued to prosper. >> Should you be increasing the inspirational product in your store? |
| 17. | Animal MagnetismPets are no longer just animals, they're part of the family, and owners are lavishing them with treats, toys and more Around the world, attitudes toward pets vary. However, that attitude is changing, as household pets (particularly dogs and cats) are becoming more like family members. It's no wonder, then, that pet accessories are booming. These days, buyers can walk any gift industry trade show and find a wide selection of pet and pet-related accessories, as well as gifts for pets and their adoring owners. >> Click here to read more about the sales opportunity in pet products |
| 18. | Selling School Spirit
Rah, rah, rah! Campus pride is alive and well in the gift and home industry, with fans and alums eager to show school spirit with their school colors. >> Read about the latest trends in selling collegiate products in gift and home stores |
| 19. | Today's WeddingsModern, alternative weddings aren't all that different from traditional weddings - with a few exceptions, of course Modern, alternative weddings aren't all that different from traditional weddings - with a few exceptions, of course. These modern weddings are having an effect on the way your customers are buying wedding accessories and gifts. >> Read more about Today's Weddings and what merchandise you should consider buying |
| 20. | Mixed MessagesIndustry experts project style and color trends for 2007... and how to sell them Retailers beware: If you're not mixing your Queen Anne with your Asian, you should be. Matching looks are out, says color, material and finish consultant Laura Guido Clark. "Mixing disparate pieces instead of matching everything is popular right now." >> Read more about Mixed Messages |
