Winning the Hearts of Your Customers
If a major retailer can grow customers, imagine what we can do as independent specialty retailers! We're all about community and personal interaction, right?
So here comes the question: How do you make young people feel in your store? Important? Welcome? Or are there signs posted on your window threatening their very existence? Unruly kids will be sent home with an espresso and a puppy...
What are you doing to engage and win the hearts of young visitors?
(photo by cottonbro studio - pexels.com)
Seriously, what are you doing to engage and win the hearts of young visitors?
Looking back, I still marvel at the six year olds who matured into 16 year olds who would proudly drive to my gift shop to buy presents for their moms and friends. Years later, the 16 year olds turned into 21 year olds who were attending baby and wedding showers, decorating their own homes and hosting special occasions. Making kids feel important and valued is such a simple thing to do. Why not make them part of your store's future and revenue plan?
Consider having a rewards program for children, something that you could stamp every time they visit your store, regardless of whether or not their adult companion makes a purchase. After 5 stamps/visits, they receive a free gift. It can be a small and inexpensive gift item or closeout. At my retail store Something Different, our kids program was called the Something Different Little Sister's Reward Program. Little girls ate it up and could hardly wait to visit and have their card stamped. It made them feel so grown up, like mommy.
A Bad Rap?
Now, I realize kids get a bad rap in retail, and there's often a reason why store owners hang those discouraging signs on their doors. But not all children are shoplifters and little terrors. In fact, most of them are pretty darn sweet and are just looking for an opportunity to feel special. So why not give them the respect and attention they deserve? You just might earn a customer for life.
Truly,
Cheryl Karpen
~ Cheryl Karpen is president of Gently Spoken. A retailer and a manufacturer, Cheryl is best known for authoring the Eat Your Peas Collection, a series of 21 gift books that begin with a promise. Visit Cheryl at gentlyspoken.com and cherylkarpen@aol.com.
(Note: this article first appeared in this newsletter in 2010)
Quick Industry News
VENDOR NEWS
Free Product and Free Shipping from Billy Joe Homeware: With more than 250 decorative kitchen strainer designs to choose from, Billy Joe Homeware is offering two free strainers and free shipping for every order over $275 when you use coupon code "FreeShip275" at checkout. Billy Joe makes their strainer decorative toppers in the USA.
Art Studio Features Lighthouses: Art Studio Company is featuring their hand-painted, porcelain lighthouse ornament collection. Each lighthouse is designed to look like a real lighthouse, so they will be recognizable to a lot of people. The ornaments include a story card, a name-drop ribbon and range from 3-to-4 inches.
NEW WHOLESALE WEBSITES
About Face Designs just opened their new B2B website for Canada. Established in 1998, About Face Designs has become a benchmark for heartwarming giftware combining originality, creativity, high quality and exceptional value.
Featured Vendors
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About Face Designs
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Established in 1998, About Face Designs has become a benchmark for heartwarming giftware combining originality, creativity, high quality and exceptional value. The company's current line offering encompasses 2800 unique products appealing to a broad and varying consumer base. As About Face Designs continues to diversify into new and exciting product categories, the creative quest to be different is rooted in the vision to "expect the unexpected."
About Face Designs
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The wholesale website for Canadian customers. Established in 1998, About Face Designs has become a benchmark for heartwarming giftware combining originality, creativity, high quality and exceptional value. The company's current line offering encompasses 2800 unique products appealing to a broad and varying consumer base. As About Face Designs continues to diversify into new and exciting product categories, the creative quest to be different is rooted in the vision to "expect the unexpected."
Ala Carte Alice
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Ala Carte Alice's mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to their customers and use the freshest ingredients that they can find. Alice Wooten takes great pride in her company, their commitment to customer service and in the products they sell. Ala Carte Alice’s products include savory sauces, red dog rubs, glazes, relishes and jams. Black and Blue Bacon, Creme Brulee and Sante Fe are just some of the yummy cheese balls Alice offers. In addition, there are mouth watering desserts, party dips and awesome entrees. You have go to try Ala Carte Alice for an excellent cullinary experience!
Badash Crystal
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Badash Crystal, which is proud to offer some of the world's finest mouth blown lead free crystal. The company's factories are renowned for their standards of quality, which can be determined by the weight, and clarity of the crystal. Clear lead free uncut crystal has; over the years become our most popular category and a Badash specialty.
Beach Walks and God Talks
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"Beach Walks and God Talks" is a full-color book by Karen Ellison of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The full-color glossy pages of this Christian devotional gift book take your customers on a beach-combing journey where they will find treasures from the sea and for their souls. Each double page spread features an inspirational story set at the beach with stunning photography and enriching sidebars. Your customers will find themselves peacefully reflecting on God's love for them as revealed through His creation. Endorsed by Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family, they will want one for themselves and more as gifts. It is an especially meaningful Christian Christmas gift.
Drew DeRose
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Drew DeRose's lines run from tabletop to decorative figurines and include candle holders, cannisters and cookie jars. All products are colorful and original. The company has a creative staff that designs merchandise for Drew DeRose Designs.
Dutch House Caramels
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Dutch House Caramels was founded in 1997, when the owners of Bayfields Bake Shop & Grill, in Alexandria, Minnesota developed a recipe for caramel candy and started making the product in the restaurant. Today the company features caramels in a variety of assortments and gift boxes.
EMV Trading
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EMV's products are deeply inspired by nature with an emphasis on creating beautiful lasting memories. The company's vast selection of unique products complements fine jewelry stores or gift/souvenir shop. EMV jewelry is perfect for any occasion, ranging from formal to casual events with specialization in Hawaiian Koa jewelry and also offering: license plates, shells and pearls jewelry, sterling silver/stainless steel/tungsten/wood collections, assorted natural gemstones and stone fashion jewelry.
Fancy That Gift & Décor
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Fancy That Gift & Decor, Inc. celebrated its 18th anniversary in August, 2019. Owners, Steve and Carmen Mendelson, have used their experience in gift and home decor to build a company that takes pride in providing quality Coastal Decor products and service with the highest levels of integrity always at the forefront.
First & Main
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Since 1993, the goal of First & Main has been to create imaginative, sumptuously soft plush characters with the versatility and value endorsed by our retail partners. Attention to detail in the facial expressions, special features,and textured materials has been our trademark.
Freeheart
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Founded in 2011, Freeheart is based in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. Freeheart is committed to delivering the absolute best quality and innovation on the market. Freeheart thermal insulated drinkware is Made in the USA and keeps drinks cold & hot, has reduced sweating, and is dishwasher safe.
The Fudge & Snack People
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The Fudge & Snack People is proud to offer the highest quality, most delicious fudge on the market today. Licensed through the Oklahoma State Health Department, The Fudge & Snack People cook in a commercial kitchen and maintain the highest quality of products.
Gina B. Designs
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Gina B. Designs is an award-winning greeting card, gift and stationery products company featuring exceptional art and design. With an array of styles, variety of products and outstanding customer service, Gina B. Designs has "something for everyone." All products are proudly made in the U.S.A.
Holiday Fried Pecans
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Holiday Fried Pecans' rise in popularity can be attributed to its first treat a salty, sweet 100% certified Louisiana fried pecan that is guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding of cravings. These great tasting pecans that have less fat & calories than raw pecans are a perfect addition to any store. Lightly sweet, Lightly salty and great on Salads, Sweet Potatoes, Ice Cream, Cheese Cake or as a snack. Holiday Fried Pecans...a curious and delicious flashed-fried Louisiana Pecan that's great for corporate gifts givers, retail locations, cooking, baking or solo-snacking!
Hot Ruby
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Hot Ruby is the perfect addition to your mug on a cozy evening. Unlike typical cider, Hot Ruby's family recipe marries cranberry and citrus juices with an exquisite blend of spices. Add your favorite spirits for a special treat! Hot Ruby is certain you will find comfort in every heated or iced cup of Hot Ruby, time and time again.
Jillson & Roberts
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Jillson & Roberts was founded with the idea of providing premium quality fashion-oriented gift wrap and accessories, along with superior service, to retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. We have the commitment to be environmentally sensitive!
JTP Wholesale
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JTP Wholesale is a wholesale website offering monogrammed coasters, IcyBags, and Keeping It Positive affirming sheets and pillowcases.
Leeber Limited USA
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Leeber Limited USA features high-end, yet affordable serveware. Product include Bowls & Dishes, Cake Plateaus, Chargers & Plates, Serving Trays & Platters, Table & Server Accessories, Coffee & Tea Accessories, Wine & Bar Accessories. In addition, there are Children & Baby Gifts, Clocks, Frames & Albums, Jewelry Boxes & Organizers, Trophies & Awards and Wedding Accessories.
Magnolia Lane Collection
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At Magnolia Lane, our desire is to produce gifts that become part of celebrations, memories, and family treasures. Our licensed tailgating products, Christmas line, The South collection, and outdoor decor will enhance and compliment every occasion! We are proud of what we do and are ever grateful and dedicated to our customers.
Mana Mandala Studio
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The website features the art of Damon Delaney from the Big Island of Hawaii. Damon says, "Aloha, growing up all I ever wanted to do was be an artist. Discovering faux and hand-painted finishes has allowed me to bring these techniques to my artwork. Through years of experience in blending colors I’ve come to understand the power that color has on our lives. It has propelled me to a place of creativity that has encompassed my life." Damon works with many different mediums: from artist oils, acrylic, encaustic melted crayon, and most recently, alcohol ink has brought my art to another level offering intense and vibrant colors to his canvases.
Nature's Retreat
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Maryland-based Nature's Retreat features several lines inclucing Aromatherapy Jewelry, Chakra Jewelry, Crystal Healing Bags, Essential Oils and Healing and Smudge.
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Nebibo
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Nebibo says, "Our mission is to get kids off their electronic devices and out exploring the world. We'd love for you to come on that journey with us. We started this journey when we realized there was no recognizable and reliable snorkeling brand that parents could feel assured their kids would be safe using. We are that brand!" The product is full-face snorkel mask with a 180-degree view and water-tight seal in the patented shark design. The "fin" is designed to seal in the event the snorkel goes under water. Made of non-toxic materials.
ORL Cares
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ORL™ toothpaste and mouthwash are designed to naturally eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath and gum disease by penetrating below the gum line for a deeper clean. Organic xylitol, essential oils, organic vitamins, minerals, and a perfect 7.0 pH work in harmony to help clean, protect and restore your mouth's ecosystem, strengthen your teeth enamel and freshen your breath.
Pat Pearlman Designs
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Since 1971, Pat Pearlman has been designing jewelry.
Her work has been influenced by the delicacy and sensuality of Art Nouveau, and the fascinating shapes and variety of the earth’s inhabitants. Her images exemplify her love of nature and gemstones, and her interest in symbolism and simplicity.
Pure Factory Naturals
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Pure Factory Naturals collections, including Flip Flop Foot Repair,Splash. The collection includes lip balm, foot repair, body lotion, hand cream, solid lotion bar, salt glow, skin repair.
Pure Mana Hawaii
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Pure Mana Hawaii Founders Sue Mandini and Kollette Stith bring the wisdom of living close to the land and in harmony with nature's rhythms to the marketplace in their luxury skincare line. Built from the ground up, the brand features wild harvested ingredients and a synergy of raw, wild macadamia nut oil and green coffee bean oil, grown on their family's certified organic farm, Mahina Mele in Hawaii.
Red Carpet Studios, Ltd.
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Red Carpet Studios, Ltd. features All Jazzed Up™ Fashion Accessories for Fall & Spring. A wide range of Giftware for the Home & Garden. Visit our website for New Products & Specials.
Rudolph and Me
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Joe and Sue Brielmann have taken their combined experience of over 28 years in personalized products and design to create one of the fastest growing cart businesses in the country. Their creative ability, attention to detail, and the highest standards for quality and customer support, are among the reasons Rudolph and Me has experienced such huge growth.
Sanis Enterprises
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Sanis Enterprises offers a large selection of elegant and stylish, quality desk clocks, the latest styles in fashion watches, executive gifts, credit card cases and multi tools, just to name a few. Gifts that celebrate life’s special moments.
Singular Premium Products
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Singular Premium Products features Singular hand towels that are crafted to bring the strength and softness of linen to an eco-friendly paper product. Time to throw in the towel? Don't sweat it – Singular smooth linen is 100% recyclable and compostable!
Snazzy & Company
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Snazzy and Company's sea-glass jewelry uses mostly recycled glass and the metals the company selects are environmentally friendly. Founder Anna Shaw researches and designs every charm herself and continues to use local help to assemble and create her jewelry. "Because Life is not Black and White."
Staywell Copper
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Staywell Copper features "the Original Germstoppers," using "the ancient power of copper to naturally keep you healthy." Products include cellphone patches, purse or backpack charms, dogtags, a necklace and more.
Studio B Inc.
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Your Place for 1,000’s of Unique Licensed Posters, Art, Stickers & Collector Pins. An industry leader for over 30 years with the best collection of Music, Movies, Nostalgia, Comics, Art, Anime, Blacklight, Landscapes, etc… Products are available for Resale in Stores, Online, Colleges, Conventions & Anywhere you exhibit!
Sunset Vista Designs
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Sunset Vista Designs offers you extra margin opportunities, and sells thru at retail. They offer innovative designs, in proven products, with space saving merchandising solutions, and attractive package deals that all add value to the quality products we offer. Many say this is the "best ever" line of innovative gift, garden, and home decor.
Tizo Design
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Lines include Tizo and Siena frames in a variety of styles and colors plus elegant candleholders from tea lights to pillar candles. The site also features boxes and trays in a variety of materials.
United Global Products
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United Global Products represents products made in the U.K., including Wade Ceramics, Parks London and Magma London, reflecting a variety of designs and cultures, from traditional British pottery to East and North Africa basalt stone products.
Vintage Girl:
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Inspirational stationery and home decor, featuring the work of owner-artist Michelle DeFillipo. Michelle uses her love of inspirational words, vintage paper, architecture and color to inspire and uplift. Her artwork expresses a range of sentiments from the sincere appreciation of a true friend to self motivation for each day.
White Elephant
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White Elephant has been in the wholesale business for more than 25 years, with a promise of best quality products and prices for their customers. The company's home decor is exclusive, designed and handmade by their own carvers with love and care. White Elephant offers a wide variety of products and there is something for everyone.
Christina's World®
Christinas Clean Creations
The Pocket Plus
Wild Hare Designs