e hope the New Year is prosperous and rewarding for you. This
issue we examine many of the trends that will shape 2006,
including profitable pet gifts, scented merchandise, candles and
personal care products.
Our cover story looks at country stores to give you a feel for how these interesting
shops serve their markets. These stores offer a tangible nostalgia and take
shoppers back to an era of pot belly stoves, 5 cent gas and penny candy.
Merchandise the public thought had disappeared forever can be found in these
unique shops.
Also this issue we spoke with the director of retail for Dixie Stampede about
the attraction’s stores and how the locations draw in customers. The show’s
Tennessee shop is even offering stuffed-on-site customized stick horses to fit in
thematically with a stick horse collection acquired from a Florida man that is on
display.
In our Spring Marketing Guide, we provide stories on Mother’s Day and
Father’s Day and informative charts about spending patterns.
The Pet Section offers a look at the status of the industry in a story for which
several top manufacturers and store owners in Massachusetts, Virginia and
Florida were interviewed. There is also a story about the San Diego pet products
show, pet gifts marketing, grooming and spa products for pets, canine confections
and pet market trends.
In the Candles, Scented Merchandise and Personal Care Products Section
there are stories on trends in candles and scented merchandise, personal care
products, candle sales, the bath and shower market, and the demands in the fragrances
and flavors markets.
The Stationery Section looks at books that have won national awards and the
greeting card and stationery market.
And our Management section examines lessons to be learned from retailers
such as Nordstrom’s and Wal-Mart. The section also covers how aging Baby
Boomers will continue to revolutionize business, the under-management epidemic
and African American, Hispanic and teen customers. We also look at hot
trends worth watching.
We hope you enjoy the issue, which also includes our regular features such
as show photos, news about new products and trade shows and a show calendar.
Please contact us at the e-mail address below with your questions, comments
and suggestions.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
SGNMAG@KANEC.COM
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