Embracing the Vision
Retail is often discussed about with numbers — foot traffic, sell-through rates, sales predictions and margins. But behind that data is something that is absolutely core to our industry: vision.
It’s easy to forget that during the everyday of operating a store, what you do is deeply creative work. Each product you curate, each display you design and every story you tell on your shelves is thoughtfully driven by your intuition and creativity.
Summer brings a shift of pace and energy. With longer daylight, a relaxed pace and playful energy, this sunny season is perfect for experimentation, creativity and exploration as a retailer. It’s ideal for trying something new, exploring fresh colorways and themes, and leaning into the ideas that personally inspire you as a curator of goods.
I hope this issue helps spark that creativity inside you with its features that explore holiday entertaining and hosting, fresh apparel merchandise, made-in-the-U.S. companies and more.
AN INTRODUCTION
Speaking of inspiration, I am elated to introduce to readers our new quarterly columnist, expert merchandiser Michelle Sherrier. She brings to the magazine her sharp eye, keen insights and decades of on-the- ground experience helping retailers elevate their in-store presentation.
Sherrier will be a regular contributor to our publication and offer practical takeaways that bring shoppers into brick-and-mortar stores, delight them and drive sales. She is a goldmine of retail inspiration.
Read her debut article, and keep an eye out for her column in each main issue of Gift Shop® Plus as she shares her expertise.
A REINTRODUCTION
A familiar face returned to the Gift Shop® Plus Summer 2025 issue — this time, as a retailer profile.
Julie McCallum Packard, former Gift Shop® Plus editorial director and co-owner of parent company Great American Media Services, has long held a passion for the retail and gift industry. In 2024, she stepped away from her role to fully embrace a brand-new venture.
Michigan-based retailer Pursuit Paper & Gifts has now been under Packard’s ownership for over a year, when she shifted from covering the industry to participating in it firsthand as a brick-and-mortar store. What was it like to move from observing trends to buying them? From writing for readers to curating for customers?
I caught up with Packard to discover how the transition has taken shape — and to get the full story behind Pursuit.
Until next time,
