Gift Shop Plus Spring 2022

Spontaneous Inclinations By Debbie Eisele

Retail basics seem to work best when it comes to impulse-gift options — it’s about the item, its location and its price. Shoppers gravitate towards products that “speak” to them or provide a gift-giving solution, so go ahead and encourage those unplanned purchases. 

Impulse gifts “are quintessentially THE gift that you must see, you must touch and you must be drawn in by,” Landon Metts, sales manager – gift division for Creative Brands explained. “…it has never been more important to offer impulse items in a gift store.” 

Pricing

“As for price points, we have found that the $8-12 retail is a sweet spot, but anything above $15, then the word ‘impulse’ starts to wane,” Metts detailed. 

Emily Teters, museum store manager for Dayton History, agreed with Metts. “There is definitely a ‘sweet spot’ when it comes to pricing. Of course, the cheaper the item is the more likely someone will buy it; however, a great spot is between $5-$15,” she said. “I have noticed that items within this range do best as impulse buys because it’s the perfect range for a gift for yourself or others, and psychologically does not add much to the shopper’s rolling bill in their head.” 

Products and Displays

Mud Pie’s Cork Display Boxes are a small item, with a great price point. “At $2.75 and only 2.25 inches tall, Cork Display Boxes pack a big punch. These little treasures are perfect to feature at the point of sale as an easy add-on to a larger purchase. The keepsake boxes include one cardstock slip to record dates, occasions and type of spirits. Evoking this type of sentimentality in such a small package is a guaranteed way to round up any sale,” Fred Pannek, president of Mud Pie emphasized. 

Grab-and-go gift solutions also help create opportunities for a quick sale and a convenience for shoppers. The new You Are an Angel Collection in Alexa’s Angels from Roman is one example of such an option. “The collection consists of delicate necklaces and bracelets on message carding. A beautiful gift bag is included with each piece. The ‘gift to go’ concept was very well received,” said Beth Lang, president, Alexa’s Angels for Roman. 

“There are a few ‘tricks-of-the-trade’ for effectively merchandising impulse gift items, which involve ensuring the items/fixture are in a high traffic area and at an observable eye-catching point of visage,” Metts said. 

Here is a round-up of merchandise that may create those spur-of-the-moment sales!

Energy Clearing Sprays

Shaman’s Dawn

Car Air Fresheners by Studio Oh!

Orange Circle Studio

Sticker Expressions

Stickers Northwest

Shhh … There’s Whiskey in Here Mug

Muddy Carrots

Pewter Keychain

Urban Charm

Just Add Water Coozies

Totalee Gift

The Annotator

SOZY Pencils

Happy Snappy NeeDoh

Schylling

Plants Make Me Happy Sticker

Muddy Carrots

Thank You Flowers Bookmark Card

Night Owl Paper Goods