Editor’s Letter Fall 2019
Research shows that travel is good for our mental and physical wellbeing. Exploring new places keeps our minds fresh and activates the senses, not to mention the valuable lessons you learn along the way to broaden your perspective. In order to reap the benefits after returning from a trip, one should hold on to aspects of a travel experience. Sometimes a meaningful memento from a trip is all it takes to relive the adventure.
Travel through this issue to experience retail in the last frontier, Alaska. Tapping into the tourism industry one cruise ship at a time, retailer Once in a Blue Moose has set up shops in all of the major ports and hotspots. Their penchant for quality customer service makes them a traveler favorite. Read more about the booming Alaskan market in the article Once in a Blue Moose.
If New York’s scenic Hudson Valley is your destination, Mohonk Mountain House has a rich history of four-season activity for its guests, complete with retail offerings dating back to 1902. Gift Shop talked to the current store manager to find out what resort products meet their rigorous standards and appeal to their clientele.
As someone who loves babies, and can’t wait to be a grandmother, the Baby Trends feature has all the soft and fluffy cuteness to assuage my baby fever. As much as I value baby snuggles, I feel it is important to advocate for safe sleep practices and I urge retailers to do the same. Please, educate your customers about the dangers of putting blankets and plush toys in cribs with sleeping babies. The heartache that Sandra Bromley has endured is unimaginable. Read about her beautiful baby girl, Haddie, and the mission she is on to ensure every child wakes up.
Take your senses on an adventure with this season’s globally inspired candles and fragrances. The new trends invoke a range of moods with a savory perspective, as discussed in our article Global Influences. And speaking of senses, delight your taste buds with culinary treasures. Specialty foods can help entice foodies as well as make great gifts. We’ve got a roundup of favorites starting with our article Culinary Treasures. And in order to offer products to cook and serve anything your customers can whip up, check out the Kitchen & Tabletop Lookbook.
This year’s class of rising stars in the gift and stationery industries is nothing short of amazing. The members of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2019 are some of the most creative, hard-working, industrious go-getters we’ve ever met. It was an honor to celebrate them this summer at the Las Vegas Market. Get to know them by reading all about the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Award winners and go to our website to nominate someone you think would make a great member of the Class of 2020. Entries may be submitted through Friday, Oct. 18!
Enjoy the beautiful fall season and find a way to seek out some adventure of your own.