http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/article en aheugel@greatamericanpublish.com Copyright 2012 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:20:00 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/retail-responsibility/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/retail-responsibility/#id:16337#date:18:20 Managing employees through conflict, emotions and more Employee conflicts, scheduling challenges, store communication. The list of why and what managers have to deal with is endless when it comes to managing their store. To make matters worse, most of the troubles are inevitable, therefore creating a constant rotation of disruptions that could affect productivity, employee morale and the overall work environment. Fortunately, there are solutions to help resolve many of these issues for good while keeping others in check that might pop up. Setting the Tone As a manager, it's your job to ensure there… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:20 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/social-networking/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/social-networking/#id:16336#date:18:18 Networking in a ‘fan,' ‘like,' ‘follow' world Any profitable businessperson will tell you that networking was integral in their success. Meeting and interacting with people in your industry provides you with connections you need to move your business forward. Good networking skills can even provide you with connections you didn't think you would need - until you did. Luckily, there's an app for that. Several, actually. Never have there been more opportunities to engage your clients, your colleagues, your consumers. Social media platforms, it seems, have overtaken the Internet. While some may bemoan their presence… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:18 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/shopping-at-sea/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/shopping-at-sea/#id:16335#date:18:16 Onboard boutiques turn cruise ships into floating retail centers Shipboard retail used to consist of cramped spaces that offered duty-free merchandise and toiletries. Today's mega-ships, however, feature big-name stores, high-end items and thousands of eager shoppers ready to buy. Space allocated to retail has been steadily increasing as cruise lines introduce huge vessels each year. Even before cruise ship passengers get their ‘sea legs', they are handed a plastic card, which serves as both the key to their cabin and to a cash-free world of onboard shopping. Once the luxurious liner sails into the open… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:16 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/animal-instinct/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/animal-instinct/#id:16333#date:18:10 Trends in zoo products lean toward the wild side Zoos stores are in the unique position of being located in an area where animals are showcased on a daily basis. And whether it's a pattern or a plush, animal-themed parties and products are popping up everywhere from the fashion runways to mainstream store shelves, which is good news for retailers who have been carrying similar products for years. But one of the hardest things about retail is knowing what's on the horizon and what to buy for the future. Plush always sells, but what kind?… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:10 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/growing-gifts/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/growing-gifts/#id:16332#date:18:06 Where sales and service come naturally More than 250,000 people walk by the door of the 500-square-foot Growing Gifts shop at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wis., every year, and when they step inside, they immediately know they're in a nature-centric garden gift store. Located right inside the front door of the visitor center, hanging bird houses and feeders, garden sculptures and stakes, a carefully selected collection of garden-related books for kids and adults and a collection of plants that varies with the season spill out into the entry hallway. The space may be… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:06 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/take-note/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/take-note/#id:16330#date:18:01 Greeting cards, stationery can help you write a better bottom line In an age of electronic communication, one might think that greeting cards and stationery products have gone way of the dinosaur. In actuality, greeting cards sales have remained stable and can be used by specialty retailers to not only generate profits, but also to set the tone for the unique nature of a store. "Each specialty retailer needs to offer something different from what is found in the big box and product that fits the needs to its specific customers," said George White of… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:01 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/artist-spotlight-artgame/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/artist-spotlight-artgame/#id:16329#date:17:57 Royce McClure sees art as a license for creativity and fun In a world of competition and talk of economic woe, it's often good to remember that life should not be taken too seriously. When Royce McClure started Artgame almost 20 years ago, he so named the company for that very reason - to remind people that art is just a game and, subsequently, art should be fun. With a focus inspired by animals and marine subjects, McClure creates art with the bright colors and patterns of tropical fish and birds used in different ways.… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:57 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/editors-letter-the-proof-is-in-the-print/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/editors-letter-the-proof-is-in-the-print/#id:16328#date:17:56 "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Although the quote is attributed to Mark Twain, I feel it can also be applied to the realm of print, both in personal and professional capacities. With digital and electronic innovations over the past decade, it would be easy to assume that things like a handwritten note, magazine or print ad have gone way of the dinosaur. While it's true that the era of iPads and apps has had a significant impact on the role of printed materials in our society, I would argue that print… Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:56 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/mission-possible/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/mission-possible/#id:15236#date:15:15 Making Stellar Employees Out of So-So Associates With the good comes the bad, and in the case of retail employees, this is often the situation. From late arrivers to gossipy co-workers to lazy performances, many associates come with attitudes and habits that aren't ideal for your business. We can't overlook our achievers, however. Amidst the bad are hard workers with flexible schedules who are dedicated to your store profit. Then of course, there are those in between - the gray group. Neither black nor white in their performances - or lack of them - but… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:15 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/mastering-retail/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/mastering-retail/#id:15234#date:15:13 By Ken Nisch Chairman, JGA Today the most typical formula for a self-help book-be it for personal, business or solving the world's problems-involves "steps." These steps help us organize, prioritize and provide a bit of a personal checklist to measure how we're doing, and help us determine whether we're staying on track or being faithful to the mission. In many ways, successful retail is similar to personal reinvention, but is a bit more complicated; as the "personality" of retail involves the customer, the merchant and elements such as staff, product and marketing of veritable "symbols."… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:13 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/plush-profits/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/plush-profits/#id:15233#date:15:08 There's nothing soft about sales in this popular category Unlike other giftable items, plush lends itself to every retailer and just about every customer. It's a great impulse or add-on purchase and can appeal to those looking for everything from a cuddly companion to retail reminder of places they've been. Museums & More talked with several experts to let you know what this category will look like in the coming year. What can retailers expect to see in 2012? Tina WaldmierAurora WorldAurora is using a lot of realistic looking fabrics for our zoo/aquarium collections but… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:08 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/wild-things-museum-store/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/wild-things-museum-store/#id:15232#date:15:04 Where products keep a natural heritage alive According to Sarah Wilcox, Wild Things Museum Store manager at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Va., the Commonwealth of Virginia is blessed with an "uncommon-wealth" of natural wonders, among the most diverse in the country. And at the Virginia Living Museum (VLM), this natural heritage comes alive. "The VLM is a private, nonprofit museum and education center dedicated to connecting people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation," Wilcox said. "We are one of only 12 institutions in the country accredited by both the Association… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:04 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-science-of-a-gift-store/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-science-of-a-gift-store/#id:15231#date:15:02 Experiment for successful sales What are the scientific odds that, in 1797, the first members of the amateur scientific society known as The Maryland Academy of Sciences could imagine that their informal discussions might one day result in a three-story waterfront building filled with full-sized dinosaur skeletons and giant, mechanical blue crabs? One of the knowledgeable staff members at Baltimore's Maryland Science Center might be able to calculate those odds for you. Helpful nerds are scattered around the Inner Harbor's interactive museum like the very stars once studied by those learned men. Each employee is… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:02 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/artist-spotlight-karen-ehart-art-glass-inc/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/artist-spotlight-karen-ehart-art-glass-inc/#id:15230#date:14:57 Branding and blending glass with class Most companies know that in order to distinguish themselves from the crowd, they need to brand their products. In the case of Karen Ehart of Karen Ehart Art Glass Inc., she literally uses a brand to distinguish herself. The symbol that appears engraved on her pieces, on her logo, in her advertising and even as a tattoo on her ankle has special meaning to her, as it evolved from a cattle brand used by her family for most of the last century in New Mexico. "This brand stands for… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:57 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/2012-trend-outlook/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/2012-trend-outlook/#id:15229#date:14:50 What will 2012 bring for the specialty store market? A little birdie - make that a trendy owl - let me in on a few tips and tricks to help retailers prepare for the year ahead. While the items that sell best in one store might not sell well in another, a few constant themes will hold true. Naturally WiseCustomers are continuing to look to connect with nature, and that's reflected not only in the material of the items they purchase, but also in actual look and theme. While animals in general are always on… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:50 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/make-your-presence-known/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/make-your-presence-known/#id:15228#date:14:49 Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer the feel of a book in my hand, a greeting card or walking the aisles of a store to their electronic counterparts. There's just something to be said for the tactile experience. But I do love technology and the convenience it affords me. On a professional level, Facebook, Twitter, websites and emails are a great way for me to connect with those in the industry. And while I realize that retailers are busy as well, it surprises me that my posts don't get more response. After all,… Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:49 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/right/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/right/#id:14010#date:13:09 Facing the challenges of a bad store location head on By Nicole Leinbach Reyhle Special to Museums & More The old saying goes that there is no point in dwelling on the past. And in the case of choosing a storefront that has not proven to be the right location for your business, this is - unfortunately- the best way to actually handle the situation. Sure, you could point fingers and blame someone else for swearing your current storefront would have been a hit or desperately beat yourself up for not picking your second choice… Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:09 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/raise-awareness-raise-funds/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/raise-awareness-raise-funds/#id:14009#date:13:01 When making a purchase makes a difference Many guests that visit zoos, aquariums and museums do so because they have an interest in their surroundings and the story behind what they're seeing. Parents often hope that the experience will be educational on some level, and the retail store is a great place to educate visitors about the mission behind the destination - and how they can help. Profits for Programs In her 18 years as director of retail operations for the Vancouver Aquarium gift shop, Leslie Smith has picked up a trick or two on… Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:01 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/national-treasures/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/national-treasures/#id:14006#date:12:58 Buying American helps more than just the bottom line By Abby HeugelManaging Editor Julie Reiser, president and co-founder of Made in USA Certified, Inc., has traveled back and forth to Washington D.C. for years, and said it has always disturbed her that so many shops in the D.C. area carried patriotic items -American flag products, coffee cups with a president's face, etc. - with labels that read "Made in China." "If gift shops in places that are showcasing American history don't honor U.S. sourcing and manufacturing, the message it sends is incongruent with our nation's… Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:58 GMT http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-new-york-historical-society-museum-store/ http://museumsandmore.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-new-york-historical-society-museum-store/#id:14004#date:12:53 Shop your way through history On the surface it would appear that the Grateful Dead and Abraham Lincoln don't have much in common. But look a little deeper - perhaps into the expansive 77th Street windows of the New-York Historical Society Museum Store - and you'll find that both play an important historical role with a distinct New York theme. Home to both New York City's oldest museum and one of the nation's most distinguished research libraries, the Historical Society's holdings cover four centuries of American history, and include one of the world's greatest collections… Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:53 GMT