his issue we feature the 2005 Who’s Who Buyer’s Guide, an annual
directory that will put you in touch with companies that can provide
the goods and services you need for a successful business. The
year’s guide has been updated to provide you with contact information
for a variety of firms that are leaders in the industry.
Our cover story this issue profiles West Virginia’s Tamarack store, a
60,000 square foot shop that sells a first rate collection of the state’s crafts,
food and music. Shoppers can buy everything from hand-carved furniture to
quilts, glass and pottery, the kinds of goods that make this store a must shop
for locals and tourists.
We also look at a lucrative side business for flower shops, the add-on sale
of plush and other gifts. Employees at one store featured in the article can
earn extra pay for tying plush to telephone plant and flower sales. And in the
Monument Shop Report is a profile of the remarkable Levee Mercantile
store, a shop beneath St. Louis, Mo.’s Gateway Arch. The store offers a look
at river culture in the 1870s, and the costumed staff are always ready to educate
customers on the food and culture of that time period.
In our Candle and Scented Merchandise section are stories on candle and
air freshener sales, the fragrance market, tips to help increase candles as gift
sales, candle care, decorating with candles, the history of candles, and industry
candle and fragrance facts.
The Management section features a look at Internet commerce and the
climb of its profitability, how an easy to navigate Web site is an essential for
every business and how older baby boomers are shopping on the Internet.
And the Marketing section looks at reaching your target audience and marketing
to Moms.
Christmas is just around the corner, and marketing expert Jurek Leon
contributes two articles, one on finding Christmas success and a second on
making Christmas decorations work for you. We also examine how being
kind to customers can increase goodwill toward and sales in your shop. The
section also features articles on Kwanzaa and Hanukkah and a listing of
other holidays.
Don’t miss out on the men’s market. Blurred gender differences and roles
have had a significant impact on men’s shopping behavior, the article “Men
Are Today’s New Customers” finds.
We hope you enjoy the issue. Please e-mail us at the address below with
your comments, questions and suggestions.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
SGNMAG@KANEC.COM
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