Packaging Specialties By Debbie Eisele

Located in Newburyport, Massachusetts Packaging Specialties services small business shops in that it manufactures, prints and provides wholesale packaging to customers.  Packaging Specialties is a box manufacturer (gift boxes, apparel boxes, jewelry boxes, specialty boxes – candy, wine, candle, pastry, gourmet) and offers full-service printing and is a direct importer bags.

This maker sells online and currently has a more informational site, as orders are generally placed through sales representatives. Barbara Whitney from Packaging Specialties shared how the business is adjusting to the current retail climate.

How have you transitioned your selling strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We are reaching out to customers via email with updates on our company and employees. Also, our sales team, which for the most part is an outside sales team, meet with our local gift shops, boutiques and many other specialty retailers so just staying in touch on a personal level to support them any way we can. Many of our small business retailers have set up temporary online sites in a short time frame to sell their products online, so there is a need for packaging. They are also selling many of their products through social media channels like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

What special services, such as curbside pickup or delivery, have you implemented?

As our sales team works with our local accounts, we are able to offer them packaging for items we have in stock — with the ability to coordinate a personal delivery.

How are you reaching out to customers during this crisis?

Via email, social media and the sales team reaching out to customer accounts — both established customers who have been loyal customers for over 30 years, or new customers just starting out.

What are your social media handles?

Facebook

What helpful tips would you like to share with other retailers during these unprecedented times?

It is times like these that allow us to appreciate one another on a deeper level. Remain strong, positive and we will get through this, together!

Debbie Eisele

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.