Finding new merchandise can be a rewarding and exciting process, and attending trade shows is always a step in the right direction. In addition to our recurring NARB feature, we offer special sections that shed light on how to make the most of buying trips that cover ASD, IGES/SSS and Urban Expositions shows. Our staff members will be attending several trade shows this summer, so stop by and say hello.

While your guests are shopping and browsing, a friendly atmosphere created by helpful, but not overbearing, staff members can mean the difference between a sale and a lost customer. We examine providing customer service, and the hiring and training practices that help create a positive and profitable store environment, at APPL, hospital and party shops.

What could be better for travelers than coming upon an old-fashioned candy store that offers all of their favorite sweets as well as the latest creations? In “Candy - Why Customers Snap Up Sweet Treats” we look at trends in this affordable and popular category with interviews from shop owners and managers around the country.

This is also our “Christmas in July” issue, and we zero in on why certain colors will always be winners for year-round Christmas stores in the story “Color Me Christmas: Traditional Hues Dominate in Customers’ Merchandise Choices.”

The issue also offers a story on tapping into the customer base during special events on campus at college bookstores, serving back to school customers at discount and dollar stores, glass gifts, wind chimes, banners and flags at inspirational shops, jewelry at historic homes, resorts and general gift stores, the most popular Las Vegas souvenirs, licensed apparel at Minor League Baseball fan stores, trends in pet merchandise, plush and toy sales at gift stores, 75th Anniversary commemorative merchandise at the Virginia State Parks and more.

I hope you enjoy the issue. Please visit www.sgnmag.com for additional content, such as photos from the latest trade shows, and to sign up for our informative eNewsletter, which delivers timely, business-building advice weekly to your inbox. Please contact me at editorsgnmag@kanec.com with your comments, questions and suggestions.

Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND NOVELTIES MAGAZINE

“If the community is happy, then they support your business and if your business is doing well, then you can give back even more to the community.”
– Magic Johnson