he way your displays make customers feel, and how that impacts their buying
decisions, is a force that can not be underestimated. Whether your goal is to
put shoppers on the verge of sensory overload, in a good way, or to create a
serene oasis from the stresses of life, the need to create memorable displays is
a fact of life for retailers. In this issue, you can get tips on displaying well from zoo and
aquarium retailers in our Zoo and Aquarium Buyers Association Group (ZAG) section
cover story.
We also offer our annual Who’s Who Buyer’s Guide, a useful directory of quality companies
that sell merchandise relevant to today’s retailers. The guide starts on page 136.
Personal care and scented products are extremely strong market segments, and you can
learn new facts and read up on trends in our Candles and Scented Merchandise section.
Our ASD Report this issue reports on how independent retailers are standing up to
the big box stores with aggressive buying that is also thoughtful and targeted to their individual
communities.
Men’s gifts may sometimes be overlooked, but hospital gift stores that pay attention to
men are ringing up sales in this category, our story found. And our College Bookstore section
addresses music sales in these unique shops and also what the store of the future will
look like.
Teens are a powerful market, and this group controls an impressive amount of spending.
In our story “It’s Time To Get In Step With Today’s Teens” we examine trends worth
following and tactics to attract this important demographic.
Shoplifting has reached a critical juncture, despite retailers’ investments in new programs
and technologies. This issue we provide you with a look at theft trends.
We also offer a special Music Section where we examine the Hispanic customer, present
an interesting glossary of music industry terms, look at Gospel music and provide you
with a listing of the most requested Christmas music of all time that can help you in stocking
your store for the holidays.
Lastly, the magazine is celebrating 45 years of continuous publication with this issue.
You can read a brief history of the magazine and comments from readers and advertisers
on page 134.
We hope you enjoy the issue. Please e-mail us at the address below with your comments,
questions and suggestions.
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
EDITORSGNMAG@KANEC.COM
“PROPERTY MAY BE DESTROYED AND MONEY MAY
LOSE ITS PURCHASING POWER; BUT CHARACTER,
HEALTH, KNOWLEDGE AND GOOD JUDGMENT WILL
ALWAYS BE IN DEMAND UNDER ALL CONDITIONS.”
— ROGER BABSON.
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