Fall 2020

Keep on Keeping On By Julie McCallum

Welcome to the Fall issue of Gift Shop. The last issue of 2020. Can I get an AMEN?! The fact that this has been a year for the record books is indisputable. I think we can all be grateful that it is almost over, we are still here, still in business, and still keeping on. In this season of thankfulness, I am so grateful to our readers, our advertising partners, our industry friends and our team here at Great American Media Services, all who inspire me with their resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

As we wrap up this year with a busy fourth quarter, we can start to look forward to a new year and new outlook. But we won’t be going back to the old way of doing things. We’ve all learned new skills and improved old ones out of sheer necessity. The industry has adapted and created new ways to source products and meet virtually to get business done, and we are all thankful for that, because if there is one upside this year for the home and gift industry, it’s the heightened importance of home, family and shopping local.

Finish the year strong with helpful trends and new product ideas throughout this issue. The Trend Report takes a deep dive into color trends beginning on page 33 and with the wave of pet popularity, Gift Shop Pets features numerous ways to show the love on page 45, and it’s not just reserved for Valentine’s Day.

Hospitals are the epitome of frontline heroism. Find out how their gift shops are weathering the storm on page 52. Remote and cozy resort options — something we can all use right now, are featured on page 58. And for those sheltering in place, refresh the senses with an ambiance-inducing collection of candles beginning on page 62.

On page 64, we visit with a retailer in Buckhead who curates a beautiful mix of eco-friendly luxury for his customers. And design and merchandising pro Chad Gieseke of Mud Pie shares some tips for keeping customers comfortable and safe while shopping in your store on page 68.

Entertaining at home is the new normal and extending the home into the backyard is only natural. We’ve got a great roundup of products to freshen up the outdoor space along with insights on the category from Teresa McPherson, editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer, beginning on page 72. Our business operations articles starting on page 86 focus on legal issues surrounding masks as well as providing unique customer service with bundled gift ideas.

We are happy to introduce you to one of our favorite makers, Mélange Collection, a company whose whimsical and fun products are handcrafted by artisans around the world. Read more about them on page 96.

So, put a bow on it… stick a fork in it…the fat lady is FINALLY singing. However you choose to wrap it up, do it with style and gusto and heart. We will see you in 2021!

Julie McCallum

Editorial Director

Julie McCallum

Julie McCallum is publisher of Gift Shop Magazine. She is formerly the editor-in-chief of the publication, as well as editor of Museums & More, and she has more than 25 years experience in publishing.