lay, sometimes unstructured and other times organized, is essential to
successful early childhood development. The best of the companies that
provide the tools of play — plush, games and toys — spark children’s
imaginations with safe, stimulating products that draw young people
into stories of their own making.
In February, the companies that cater to children, with both the latest toys and
the time-tested old favorites, will converge on New York City for the annual
American International Toy Fair. For retailers who stock playthings, it is a seminal
event. You can read about the fair in our Profiting from Play section. Also in
the section, our contributor explores the retail environment at children’s museums,
where store managers make toys and plush a meaningful extension of
exhibits for their young patrons.
Zoos and aquariums also do an enormous amount of business by stocking
products that cater to children. In our Zoo and Aquarium section, we look at
trends in the animal plush category. In a second story in the section, we offer tips
and report on trends regarding staffing and training at zoo and aquarium shops.
For college bookstores, apparel is among the strongest categories. In the
College Bookstores section, our contributor conducted interviews with store
managers all over the country to get a feel for the apparel market. Additionally,
our Independent College Bookstore Association story looks at the latest merchandise
trends at these shops.
It is a fact, many young people love retro merchandise for its hip and at times
humorous sensibility. Our contributor got inside the process of creating retro
souvenirs for Disney’s Epcot, and presents his findings in a special Souvenir
Report.
Licensed merchandise is also a strong category, and sports fans are among the
most loyal base for all types of goods, from apparel to souvenirs. Our contributor
spoke with sports store managers to key in on today’s most popular goods.
We also report on gift stores in parks in the Southwest and in hospitals.
Additionally, we interviewed store owners and managers at discount variety
stores to get a feel for trends at these popular retail outlets. And in our
Management section, we offer a must-read look at retail crime.
We hope you enjoy the issue. Please e-mail us at the address below with your
comments, suggestions and questions
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
EDITORSGNMAG@KANEC.COM
FAR AWAY IN THE SUNSHINE ARE THE
HIGHEST INSPIRATIONS. I MAY NOT
REACH THEM, BUT I CAN LOOK UP AND
SEE THE BEAUTY, BELIEVE IN THEM AND
TRY TO FOLLOW WHERE THEY MAY LEAD.”
– LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
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