his is our first issue since 2000 that has not featured the work of Tony
DeMasi, our editor. After a brave fight during a long illness, Tony
passed away Oct. 23 at 60. This edition we offer a tribute article with
contributions from Tony’s daughter and his many friends and colleagues
in the industry. His optimism, zest for life and industry expertise will be
greatly missed. Tony was not only a colleague, but a wonderful friend over the
30 years that I have known him.
This is our special Profiles in Excellence issue. We offer this feature twice a
year, and it is great opportunity for you to learn more about the vendors that
make the gift industry unique and profitable.
Our cover story examines retailing at Minor League Baseball souvenir shops.
Accommodating enthusiastic fans is an immense job, and the store managers
and buyers interviewed for our article are rising to the challenges they face with
aplomb.
Buying in general is likewise a challenging endeavor that takes a combination
of business savvy, common sense and creativity. In this issue, you can read about
buying strategies at both college bookstores and Association of Partners for
Public Lands (APPL) member shops.
Also ranked as critically important is hiring. Your staff is on the front lines
of your operation and have the power to influence customer spending. A smile,
a helpful and attentive attitude and a sophisticated knowledge of a shop’s inventory
can make your customers rediscover the fun of shopping. In our Zoo &
Aquarium section, we examine how stores hire and train aquarium employees.
Also in the section is a look at T-shirt buying and sales trends at zoo shops.
Travelers may opt for closer seaside vacations come summer. This will make
seaside shops and museums that operate in the nation’s coastal areas important
destinations for shoppers looking for a break from the beach. In our By the Sea
feature, our contributing writers cover souvenirs at seaside shops, and jewelry
sales at maritime museum stores.
Resorts are another winning choice for many vacationers. For those bringing
along the children, a visit to the gift shop to pick up plush or games can make
a hotel room a home away from home. Our contributing writer explored what
resort stores around the country are offering in these categories.
We hope you enjoy the issue. Please contact us at the e-mail address below
with your comments, questions and suggestions.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
EDITORSGNMAG@KANEC.COM
“WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO.
EXCELLENCE, THEN, IS NOT AN ACT, BUT A HABIT.”
– ARISTOTLE
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