his issue we feature our special annual bonus Megabucks Survey.
The section is a listing of 2005 retail sales figures at shops from all
over the country. Many of the stores are stand-alone shops in
tourist destinations and there are also stores at attractions and
parks represented.
Our cover story this issue features a look at apparel and how embellishments
such as rhinestones and glitter are taking the category by storm. The
piece appears in a special apparel section, which also includes a story on the
explosive popularity of licensed apparel, especially as it applies to the children’s
clothing category.
Irish merchandise has gained favor with a broad group of shoppers, and
in this issue we offer a special preview of the Ireland Show, which will take
place April 22-25 in Secaucus, N.J.
Last March our cover story was a feature on pirate merchandise, and this
year we reexamine the phenomenon, which shows no sign of slowing down.
It is more of a trend than a fad, one manufacturer points out in the story,
and a new Pirates of the Caribbean film is sure to keep sales brisk.
In keeping with the sea theme, we also offer two stories on nautical merchandise.
In our Retailer Profile, we look at the shop Harbor in
Collingswood, N.J. Located far from the Atlantic Ocean, and about five
miles from any major river, this delightful shop still does well with all types
of nautical merchandise. And in our story “Nautical Goods Lap Up Sales,”
we examine the state of gift sales in maritime museums and gift shops.
We also a look at aquarium and zoo retail in one story and examine display
trends in another. And in a special Christmas report, we tell the story of
how the “same old” won’t apply to Christmas merchandise this year.
In our Garden Section, we look at how trade shows are increasingly turning
to garden-related merchandise for expansion opportunities. We also look
at the results of the National Gardening Survey.
Our Management section offers an instructive story on how retailers are
focused on growth, and a cautionary piece about how more than a third of
retail workers want new jobs. And in a special Religion section we examine
Catholic giftware and offer a survey on Americans beliefs.
We hope you enjoy the issue. Please e-mail us at the address below with
your questions, comments or suggestions.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
SGNMAG@KANEC.COM
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