his issue we offer a feature on HMSHost, a leader in airport retail. For the
story, we interviewed top retailing and training executives with the company,
who offered insights on how the firm shapes the stores that serve the traveling
public.
Planning for the winter holidays is an ongoing effort. This issue, we offer a special
Christmas in July section to help you prepare. We also look at Thanksgiving and the shopping
habits of consumers during this preface to the winter holidays.
Despite the dominance of paperless communications, stationery remains a strong category
for many retailers. In our Stationery section, we look at the greeting card and gift
basket industries, and also offer an instructive story regarding how bringing on-site printing
to your store can create a profitable new revenue stream.
Gifts and other merchandise for pets and pet owners is a lucrative business. In a comprehensive
section on pet merchandise, we examine the figures and statistics behind this
phenomenon and look at new pet-related products.
More and more Americans want to devote substantial time and resources into outdoor
rooms and gardens. In our Spotlight on Gardens section, we look at the garden market,
new twists on outdoor living and the latest trends in the industry.
Wind chimes, flags and banners are an especially good fit for country stores. In a story
examining this trend, we look at why these items are so effective in bringing a little bit of
country into the home.
The summer months pose a challenge for many retailers, and hospital gift shops are
no exception. In a story this issue, we examine trends and offer advice on how to merchandise
for success at this time of year.
Shoppers are especially attuned to bargain shopping these days, and many retailers rely
on trade shows, and extensive buying trips, to keep their shelves stocked and to bring the
best-priced merchandise to the consumer. You can read about trends in the discount store
industry in a story in this issue.
Zoo shops traditionally cater to children, but in our Zoo and Aquarium Buyers
Association Group section this month, we look at how retailers are reaching out to adults
with unique merchandise at a variety of price points. We also offer a story on best-selling
merchandise.
Our college bookstore section features a special glimpse at independent college shops
in a new special section. And we look at merchandising for success at National Park stores.
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
PEOPLE ARE LIKE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. THEY
SPARKLE AND SHINE WHEN THE SUN IS OUT, BUT
WHEN DARKNESS SETS IN, THEIR TRUE BEAUTY IS
REVEALED ONLY IF THERE IS A LIGHT FROM WITHIN.”
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