GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS

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May 2014

Focus on Father's Day

With Mother's Day wrapping up, and many of your same customers also in need of Father's Day gifts, why not make your store a one stop shop? The early- to-mid May window is the perfect time to begin promoting Father's Day sales.

As with most giftware, the primary shopper for Father's Day gifts are women, who are buying for their husband, dad, brother, adult son or other special man in their life. They may also be buying on behalf of their children, or even a pet.

Begin by making sure your customers know that you are in the men's gift business and Father's Day is June 15th and fast approaching.

  • Use in-store signage to announce the date and highlight men's products.
  • Use social media to feature a rotating assortment of appealing men's products to attract buyers to your store.
  • Consider a special event specifically for Father's Day shoppers.
  • Promote the occasion in advance using bag stuffers and additional in-store signage.

Make it easy for customers to shop by carrying a representation of at least some of the top men's gift categories.

  • Licensed local collegiate and professional sports team merchandise, as well as other licensed brands such as Duck Dynasty or automotive.
  • Products supporting hobbies and interests including golf, tennis, hunting, grilling and gardening.
  • Barware and Man Cave products also provide options.
  • For the fashion forward store, scarves, messenger bags, small leather goods and even masculine personal care items offer appeal.

Make shopping easy to help your customers and maximize sales.

  • Review your assortment and create a list of men's top sellers within each theme that your staff can promote to busy shoppers.
  • Also, include recommendations of popular items for "under $50", "under $25" for customers shopping by price.

_________________________

Gail Markert helps identify growth opportunities for giftware manufacturers and retailers through product development, marketing and branding. Learn more at MarkertGroupConsulting.com or contact her at Gail@MarkertGroupConsulting.com.

© Gail Markert, Markert Group Consulting, 2014



Quick Industry News

Mother's Day Spending Predicted

Consumers say they will spend an average $163 on Mother's Day this year ($19.9 billion total), with the majority of their budgets going to special outings, new apparel items and jewelry, according to The National Retail Federations' "Retail's BIG Blog".

The article also tracks other holidays and events. Mother's Day is third behind Christmas/Hannukah (20% of total annual retail revenue at $602 billion) and Back-to-school/College ($72.5 billion). Fourth is Valentine's Day, followed by Easter, Father's Day, Super Bowl, Halloween, and St. Patrick's Day.


New (or New Look) Wholesale Websites

Art Studio CompanyArt Studio Company refreshed their website design recently. The company travels the world to find socially conscious handcrafted goods. Check them out!

Prospect Street Jewelry...Journey LocketProspect Street Jewelry opened a new CAMEO EZ© website recently. The company features "My Journey Locket", which allows you to "Tell the story of your Journey with these timeless lockets and charms. Each charm represents one step of your Journey".

The Greenbriar...an American PotteryThe Greenbriar "an American Pottery" has a brand new wholesale CAMEO EZ© website. Made in Georgia, Greenbriar's lines feature bowls, plates, platters, spoon rests, etc. and are dishwasher and microwave safe.

AnnaleeRetailer.comAnnalee Dolls opened a new wholesale site recently. The dolls that Annalee's design associates create reflect not only easier times, but also Annalee's sense of human nature and humor.

BladeBuddy® by Razor Care opened two new CAMEO EZ© wholesale websites in April: BladeBuddyBlade Buddy is for online marketers and RazorCareWholesale.ComRazorCareWholesale.Com is for brick-and-mortar retailers. Both sites offer the company's razor blade sharpener products, which extend the life of expensive razors and save money on disposables.

CAMEO EZ© is the B2B e-commerce system developed by OmegaNet Inc., publisher of this newsletter, for use by retailers in ordering inventory for their stores. A partial list of CAMEO EZ sites can be found at the company's portals such as www.giftswholesale.com, www.accessorieswholesale.com, www.apparelwholesale.biz, www.decorwholesale.com, www.usmadewholesale.com, www.toyswholesale.com and www.usmadewholesale.com. A complete list of sites is available in the "Directory" on www.CAMEOEZ.com.