Giftware News

Halloween is the second-most decorated holiday, right behind Christmas. Four retailers tell how they make the event special.

>> Learn new ideas for holiday events & merchandise

Make your customers go gaga for Valentine's Day gifts. Why not look beyond the heart-shaped candy box and offer your customers something other than sweets?

>> Read on for more Valetine's Day product and display ideas

Danielson Designs

The momentum behind the green trend shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. So the question, “Do you carry any green products” has successfully morphed into “What green products do you carry”?

>> What is green & are you carrying the right 'green' products?

Keepsake Chest

Here comes the bride, getting ready for her big day and offering savvy retailers an opportunity to ring up strong sales. Just make it easy for her to do all her shopping at your store and wish the couple well.

>> Read how to max out wedding sales in 2008

The numbers are growing for Valentine’s Day sales in gift stores. Check out what gift companies are offering in 2008.

>> Click here to see more

Getting a gift in a pretty gift bag or wrapped in decadently designed paper makes the present twice as nice.

>> Click here to read more about divine giftwrap

While the weather has been an on-again/off-again affair in many parts of the country, certainly your clients are likely already planning their summer spaces. Some may be yearning for a cozy patio, ideal for enjoying a book; others may want a more decadent space for entertaining revelry around the pool.

>> Click here to read more about products for the summer

Mary Liz presented this topic to retailers this summer as part of OneCoast's Summer Seminar Series. This article, reprinted with permission by Giftware News, touches on many of the points she made in her highly-regarded sessions.

What is the difference between professional buying and just ordering a lot of stuff? Planning, organization and good information make the distinction. A successful store needs the right amounts of the correct inventory at the right time of year to stay in business and remain profitable.

Naturally, a successful merchant starts with an open-to-buy budget, choosing the merchandise needed based on rates of sale, historical information, and projections. If you just walk the aisles and order anything you like, your stock will never be properly balanced.

>> Read more from Mary Liz