pparel is a best-selling category for all types of shops that cater to tourists and
travelers. College stores deal in high volumes of licensed and logo clothing and
resorts cater to golf enthusiasts and women shopping for casual and comfortable
outfits. Minor League Baseball souvenir stores sell hoodies for cool summer
nights and shops operating from the nation’s public lands educate with apparel. We cover
all of these types of stores in the issue, plus zoo shops that appeal to customers of all ages
with animal-themed apparel.
In addition to apparel, mascot merchandise is a winning category for college stores. We
offer a look inside this booming business in the ICBA section. And, since in today’s uncertain
economy inexpensive souvenirs are a growth area, we examine this category at aquarium
stores in the Zoo and Aquarium section.
A visit to a maritime museum can immerse guests in the history and romance surrounding
sea travel, work, and even crime in the form of pirate lore. Pirate merchandise continues
to be a strong seller for shops at these unique museums, our story found. We also look at
how pirate merchandise fits in at party stores around the country.
Religious shops serve the public with all types of meaningful gifts, and the stores we feature
in this issue are succeeding by offering a targeted selection of jewelry. And at year-round
Christmas stores, which are a perfect fit in tourist locations where customers can take in the
festive merchandise while in a relaxed state of mind, inventive displays and stock are drawing
profits.
Environmentally aware retailing, both in store operations and construction and product
selection, is a growth industry, and we look at how these stores get the word out with marketing
efforts in the Green Retailing section.
In a hospital setting, nothing can lift spirits like plush toys, and we examine how plush
is handled at hospital shops around the country in a special section that includes the latest
plush and toys product news.
In our ASD Report, we offer a story featuring buyers discussing strategies for succeeding
in a challenging ecomony, a piece you will find insightful. In addition, as we do each March,
we reflect on how retailers are faring financially in our Megabucks Feature. This year, we
present earnings for a wide array of shops, including outlets at zoos, aquariums, museums,
seaside locales, colleges and others.
We hope you enjoy the issue, please contact us with your questions, comments and suggestions
at the e-mail address listed below.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE
EDITORSGNMAG@KANEC.COM
“A MERCHANT WHO APPROACHES BUSINESS WITH
THE IDEA OF SERVING THE PUBLIC WELL HAS
NOTHING TO FEAR FROM THE COMPETITION.
— JAMES CASH PENNEY
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