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It’s hard to believe that we’re wrapping up another year already, but there’s still valuable retail time left before we break out the champagne and noisemakers at midnight when the ball drops.
This time of year can be very good for specialty and destination retail stores, as many families and children are on winter break. After a couple days in the house, parents are usually more than ready to take the kids out on a little adventure — to a museum or zoo, perhaps?— and pick up a few last-minute holiday gifts along the way.
Are you ready to deck the halls and ring those register bells?
Because more families may be venturing out, it’s a good time to make sure you have displays that appeal to both the young and old together. If you have a new exhibit, be sure to highlight and group not only adult collectibles and clothing, but also any accompanying plush and educational games.
Creating displays that make last-minute gifts accessible are the key to impulse sales. Be sure to keep hands-on items by the register and out in front for guests to interact with and try out, as the more they participate, the more they will be tempted to purchase.
This is also a great time of year to remind visitors that you are there all year round. Put coupons good for an upcoming visit or a notice of upcoming sales in their bags with their purchases. Handing out free samples and small tokens with your store’s name are also great ways to stay on the minds of consumers after the holiday season. |
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Theresa Danneffel
Gift/Experience Manager & Buyer
John Ball Zoo Society
What is your retail background?
I started as a seasonal worker at John Ball Zoo in 2002, worked my way to become a supervisor and then the assistant manager of the Gifts of the Wild gift shop. I was the assistant for three years and assisted in buying before taking over the gift manager/buyer position in 2007. I have loved doing it ever since.
What is the most popular product you sell?
The most popular product is probably the smallest as well — the Good Luck Mini’s from Safari LTD. We display them right next to the register and it’s a very good impulse buy. They come up and pick out one, and that usually turns into a half dozen. We carry 12 styles right now, but since they sold so well we’re going to get in a much bigger display and more styles for 2011.
What trade shows do you attend?
I attend The Gathering in Orlando and the IGES show in Tennessee. The Gathering is a lot of appointments so I like to place all of my re-orders with the vendors I already buy from at that show. I try not to make appointments at the IGES show so I can finish up anything I didn’t get done at the Gathering and look for new items.
What is your favorite part about working in this industry?
I love going to the shows and meeting new people, as it’s nice to be able to talk to people that do the same thing as you. Since I am so new in the “buying world,” it’s nice to make new friends that can help you out and give you new ideas along the way.
What advice do you have for other retailers?
Everyone should listen to what the guests want. I take the time and make sure that I always work out in the shop so I can get feedback on what guests think and feel about the gift shop and the zoo as a whole. I take those ideas into account when thinking of new ways to be creative in the gift shop. |
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How would you say sales in 2010 compared to 2009?
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NRF Revises Holiday Forecast Up to 3.3 Percent
After a solid start to the holiday season, the National Retail Federation (NRF) announced that it is revising its forecast to 3.3 percent, up from 2.3 percent. The upward revision is due to improvement in a variety of economic indicators including stock market gains, recent…
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White and purple iridescent butterflies shine beautifully and hang on adjustable pink and purple cords in this new line by Cool Jewels/Phillips International. Also available in other styles, such as dolphins, turtles, monkeys, hearts and many more in spring 2011.
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With a magnetic front closure, custom magnetic notepads from Creative Marketing Group feature a custom image of a complete work of art on the back. Inside pages are perforated and have a "lightened version" of the cover design.
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The 10-inch owlet puppet from Folkmanis is a downy-soft and wide-eyed baby owl that will charm your heart. With his movable beak and wings, he'll be chirping for food and flapping his wings for take-off. | |
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This new line of SparkleUps kits from The Orb Factory Limited features butterfly, unicorn and cupcake themed kits. Each comes with a variety of stickers to create and stick anywhere.
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TEXT-ONLY ADS ARE AVAILABLE!
Call Gavin Cribbs to find out how you can advertise your product or business in this special text-only ad area! 800-825-0900, ext. 109 |
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