Gift Shop Plus Winter 2021

Ready for More By Julie McCallum

The first issue of 2021 is here! The fact that we made it to 2021 is exciting, and we all know why, so I won’t revisit the chaos that was 2020. Here at Gift Shop we have another reason to be excited — the launch and rebranding of our magazine. Gift Shop has joined forces with museums&MORE and Gift Shop Pets to create one amazing brand: Gift Shop Plus. It is our mission to bring you more products, more stories and more inspiration, not only in the print editions, but online and on all of the social media platforms where you get your news and information.

Turn to page 43 to check out museums&MORE and all of the unique specialty products that are best-sellers at national parks, museums, zoos and destinations. Our special edition of Gift Shop Pets, beginning on page 105, is full of colorful and fun trends for dogs. Come along on a trip to New Orleans to visit a French Quarter pet boutique that is popular with tourists and locals alike.

Comfort and functionality reign in the kitchen and tabletop category on page 82 – perfect for the heart of every home. Style meets function and utility when it comes to men’s gifts, too. We talked to a California retailer who has made his mark in this segment and continues to forge a new path with his Utility Goods brand. And for a roundup of more distinctly masculine wares, the product feature on page 92 will get you ready for Father’s Day.

As we’ve found out, the pandemic was no match for creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit. Retailers have found ways to connect with customers and manufacturers are creating new products that fit the needs of today’s consumers. The winter introductions of product lines will not disappoint, as seen on page 98, and there are many new ways to source products without leaving your home base. Our article on page 116 about digital alternatives to in-person trade shows spells out how, when and where to shop the latest trends for your store.

As we say goodbye to a year we’d all rather forget, it’s time to look forward to more — more positivity, more stability, more community. Bring it on 2021. We are ready for more.

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.