GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS

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July 2014

Trade Show and Tell

Leverage your finds into a gold mine

Have you noticed the hype that swirls around the Consumer Electronics Show, the Home + Housewares show, and Toy Fair? People enjoy learning about what is new and exciting before it hits the stores.

While gift shows don't usually attract this level of national coverage, giftware customers are also interested in what's coming. Why not use this natural curiosity and take on the role of "reporter" as a marketing tool to engage with your customers and sell some product while doing it?

Getting started
  • If you want to start the excitement before you go, post to Facebook or other means that you are attending the summer gift shows to find the latest giftware.
  • Whether you begin posting before or after attending, include a general overview of the show itself. Look for data on the physical size, how many buyers were in attendance, etc. Often this type of information can be found on the show's website, show book or in daily online show coverage from the trade press. Your objective it to show just what an important and exciting wholesale marketplace it is.
At the show
  • Gather content, including information on specific products you are purchasing, general and fashion trends, plus some photos to illustrate them. Photos can be found in catalogs, on supplier websites and even snapshots made at the show (with permission).
Back home
  • Plan what you will feature, when, and where. Content can be presented via Facebook, a newsletter, on your website or in an email blast.
  • To get the most from your content, spread out your posts over a week more. Avoid being too "sales-y". Include a mix of general trend highlights along with product previews, photos and an ETA for the product's arrival.
  • As new merchandise from the show arrives, feature it electronically and invite customers to see it in person. To bring it full circle, remind them specifically how it aligns with your earlier show coverage. Perhaps it's the new fragrance from a popular candle line you had mentioned or an item in the new hot color you had featured.
  • Help shoppers identify the featured merchandise "in store" by creating some signage along the lines of: "fresh from market", or "hot trend".

Not only are you sharing the excitement of the show with your customers, you are filling them in on the latest trends and pre-selling what you bought. This helps position you as "in the know" and your store as the place to go for giftware.

Gail Markert helps giftware manufacturers and retailers identify opportunities for growth through product development, marketing and branding. Learn more at MarkertGroupConsulting.com or reach her at Gail@MarkertGroupConsulting.com.

© Gail Markert, Markert Group Consulting, 2014


Quick Industry News

PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS

CALYPSO STUDIOS FEATURES NEW AND POPULAR PRODUCTS

Richmond, June 23, 2014- Calypso Studios' is spotlighting six new and best selling items featured both in their new Mid-year 2014 catalog as well as their current full 40 page catalog.

Calypso Studios Features New and Popular ProductsJuliette Necklace (pictured - 1): In three different neutral metal tones including gold, silver/black, and tri-color, this adjustable and modern chain bib necklace perfectly accents any outfit. Retails at $19.99.

Studded Headband (2): These headbands are made of three strands of soft-suede featuring silver studs. Comfortable as well as trendy, and offered in six jewel tone fall inspired colors.

Kaleidoscope Ribbon Comforting Clay Cross (3): This new whimsical stained glass inspired Comforting Clay Cross by Calypso Studios is made with layers of natural clay. Each are individually handcrafted to fit comfortably in your hand, offering you hope and security whenever you may need it.

Leather Bracelets with charms (4): These rich brown leather bracelets with charms are offered in 4 styles with inspiring words of hope, love, faith, and strength. Finished with Calypso Studios' signature toggle.

Classic Hip huggers (5): This is not your mom's fanny-pack! Calypso Studios has designed four new styles of fashionable yet functional hip huggers that can hold your cell phone, keys, and wallet- hands free. They're ideal for traveling, sporting events, or every day use, retailing at $7.99.

Life's Journey Bracelets (6): Calypso Studios' Life's Journey Bracelets are offered in an array of colors in 3 styles of hope butterflies, friendship turtles, and peace flowers. Strung on a stretchy elastic cord, these can fit any wrist and are loved by adults and children alike. Retails at $0.99. (866-897-9648 or calypsostudiosinc.com).


CAMEO EZ© is the B2B e-commerce system developed by OmegaNet Inc., publisher of this newsletter, for use by retailers in ordering inventory for their stores. A partial list of CAMEO EZ sites can be found at the company's portals such as www.giftswholesale.com, www.accessorieswholesale.com, www.apparelwholesale.biz, www.decorwholesale.com, www.usmadewholesale.com, www.toyswholesale.com and www.usmadewholesale.com. A complete list of sites is available in the "Directory" on www.CAMEOEZ.com.