Summer 2011
Destined for Success By Becky Tyre

Exempt from many restrictions of traditional shopping areas, some gift shops manage to stand out while standing alone. Successful shops are finding ways to take advantage of the fact that when a customer goes out of their way to come to a destination store, they are generally ready to shop.

Warm and Fuzzy

The Cozy Nest in Somersworth, NH, has two rooms; the smaller is the seasonal room. During the spring and summer months it becomes the garden room. Here the store sells stepping stones, bird baths and folk art for indoors and out from companies like Blossom Bucket. Other good sellers are flags and mailbox covers from Magnet Works. In September, the room is transformed into a Christmas shop stocked with a large assortment of ornaments, holiday serving pieces, linens, holiday decor and stocking stuffers. In January, it serves briefly as a clearance room. Ladies accessories generate the most sales in the larger room.

Owner Paula Tsiorbas notes Chamilia beads and jewelry as the store’s best selling line. The Cozy Nest also stocks a number of local New England products and has a New Hampshire book section.

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Becky Tyre

Becky Tyre is the senior trends editor for GIFT SHOP Magazine and the owner of the Retail Details blog.

Social Connections

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