Retailer Features

Just The Zing

Whipping up sales Chew on this: Tough economic times may actually result in an increase in gourmet food purchases. "In recessionary times, specialty food purchases have been strong because they are viewed as affordable luxuries,"... more »

Message in a Bauble

Message Mania Lynn Switanowski-Barrett points out that in times of recession or war, consumers have often looked for products that are positive and upbeat. Jewelry bearing messages of hope, inspiration and celebration fits the bill... more »

Profit from Play

Defining Specialty Kathleen McHugh encourages you to remember this fact: Many baby boomers are now grandparents. And, says the president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, grandparents are willing to spend money and buy... more »

How do you host a successful in-store event during the holidays?

How do you host a successful in-store event during the holidays? What are some event ideas that can draw traffic? You probably kick off the holiday retail season with a bang. Here are some ideas... more »

Baskets & Beyond

Creative Containment with The Bwarie Gift Basket CompanyTom Bwarie has one requirement for the containers he uses to create innovative gift packages: They have to fit through the door of his store. In the 31... more »

Toy Store Retailers

Fun and Games in Tennessee Like most gift-store owners, Andy Cannon starts planning for the Christmas holiday retail season right about now. Sure, he plans on what products to stock, what to order, how much... more »

Wacky Stores, Wild Success

It came as quite the surprise.When she was ready to open the second location of her store, 5 Wacky Women, in Baltimore, Aimee Smith already knew the clientele would be different from the one she... more »

What tips can you offer to maintain a clean and efficient back room?

Gail Markert of Markert Group Consulting Gail Markert of Markert Group Consulting 615.292.7819 MarkertGroupConsulting.com Giving some thought to your retail storage area can pay off in big dividends later. When you think how often you... more »

Mother Daughter Duos

Advantages For mother-daughter business owners, running a gift shop together offers many advantages. Each woman gets to work with someone she truly loves and trusts. There's often the added virtue of flexibility they offer each... more »

Best Sellers in Seattle

Urchin Sea urchin, a pricey dish in Japanese cuisine, is a favorite Karen Cho's mother often denies herself. Cho's father, in turn, always orders the delicacy for his wife. Cho says it is this spirit... more »