Spring 2007

Way to Grow! By Patricia Norins

Spring is the time for a fresh start and for renewal, and practically nothing says renewal like a makeover.

We are overwhelmed by the response to our makeover contest! We received numerous worthy applications, each with a compelling story of its own and are in the process of narrowing down our selection to one lucky winner. Please stay tuned and visit our website the last week of April to find out who won. It could just be you!

Like the rest of you, I am glad spring is finally here. As the debate about global warming rages on, studies show customers increasingly leaning toward green products. Our article on organic chic looks at organic clothing and accessories, and shows how green is increasingly becoming the new black.

It might be spring outside, but if you are ready to stock your shelves for fall, our feature on Halloween decor shows how adults are now as Halloween-crazed as kids.

Read how investing in Halloween can have you celebrating this fall.

Plush is everyone’s favorite gift for all celebrations, and our feature on every retailer’s “must-stock” shows how the old favorite has kept up with changing times. Technology has touched plush as well, and the results are cuter than ever!

Speaking of technology, we are pleased to announce that GIFT SHOP magazine has a brand new website! Check it out and give us your input. You can sign up for GIFT SHOP Wrap-up, our weekly e-newsletter; read the latest issue and access the magazine’s archives, so be sure to pay our virtual home a visit.

We returned from an exciting tradeshow season impressed by the wide variety of wonderful products out there. Nowhere is this truer than in handbags, where so many visually and functionally compelling designs compete for consumers’ attention. Our feature on handbags dissects this product category for you, and takes a look at the hot sellers.

Our regular Category Profile focuses on museum gift shops, exploring the particular rewards and challenges that stem from operating one.

Last but not the least, although it’s hard to believe, we celebrate our first birthday next month! It has been a great year—watching our “baby” grow before our very eyes. There is no greater joy than hearing that readers look forward to receiving every issue of GIFT SHOP. We have been touched by the heartfelt endorsement we have received from you, our readers, and equally important, the trust placed in us by our advertisers. If you have any editorial ideas or suggestions, please email our editor, Poornima Apte. Thanks to all of you who have embraced our editorial mission wholeheartedly.

Our business is to help you grow yours. Together we’re on to bigger and better things—so stay tuned!

Patricia Norins
norins@giftshopmag.com
Publisher, GIFT SHOP

Patricia Norins

Norins is the founder and publisher of two national trade magazines and two trade shows. Specialty Retail Report, the voice of the specialty retail industry (carts, kiosks and temporary in-line stores) has a readership of more than 75,000 and GIFT SHOP, the magazine for independent gift shop owners, has a readership of more than 60,000. She also serves as consultant to small independent retailers across the country.