I read something pretty interesting before the 4th of July holiday. According to a National Retail Federation survey conducted by BIGresearch, 16.2 percent of consumers were planning to buy new patriotic merchandise — up from the 14.1 percent who were expected to shell out extra money for apparel, decorations or accessories last year.

I have to admit 4th of July is my favorite holiday. It celebrates something pretty amazing, it’s in the summer and there are fireworks at the end of the day — what’s not to like? But back to giftware and retailing, I think the survey results are good news for retailers. People were going out to spend money on something that would just make them feel good. They wanted to add to the celebration of the day or the party. They wanted to celebrate something.

As one supplier told me last year, people continue to have birthdays, get married, children are born, the holidays come, anniversaries happen — and these occur no matter what. People want to celebrate these occasions. These are also all times that a person wants to give a gift. Maybe, for whatever circumstances, the gift is not as expensive or elaborate as in other years, but people want to bring something to celebrate the event. It makes bringing a gift with perceived value more important than ever. And this is where you come in.

This could be where your gift shop rises to a whole new level. You can be the person that can help your customers select a gift that is distinctive, a gift that shows some real thought went into it, and some real feeling. Your shop can be the place for a handcrafted wooden toy, the place with those earrings with artistic flair, the great variety of stationery, the trendy scarves and other accessories. You could be a destination for a fun selection of collegiate gifts.

And you can distinguish yourself with your degree of services, like gift-wrapping and personalization. All ways that will make your shop stand out and help people celebrate events great and small.

For our part, we will continue to help. This month, Ashley brings you the latest jewelry and fashion accessories, a category that continues to grow and ring up sales. Mary will give you a look at the products and special events that await you in New York this month at the various markets and at the Denver Mart.

I’ll show you some new additions to personalized products, an ever-popular category that is expanding in new directions. I’ll also present some color and shine with crystal and glass pieces that continue to draw sales. Mary will offer some Christmas keepsakes sure to bring customers in and create future memories.

Ashley will bring you eco-friendly products, an important consideration with many of your customers. And I’ll give you ideas on how to show it all off in our visual-display article.

And be sure to check out the latest Gift, Gourmet & Décor Plus online at www.ggdplus.com for more ideas on how to make your shop the place for great gift and lifestyle pieces.

See you next month-

Barbara Wujcik

Editorial Coordinator