Summer 2013

The Power of Positivity By Heather Johnson Durocher

Inspired Retailers

Sisters Caity and Megan Olenowski say having a cluster of inspirational gift items behind the register—think wall hangings—as well as on the checkout counter itself—tokens and figurines—gives customers a moment to pause and consider adding to their order.

“If we have a spot where there are a bunch of different signs together, especially behind the counter, they look up and see them. They can read them (while they wait). That’s worked really well for us,” says Caity, co-owner of Surprises in Store in Denville, NJ. The store has been in their family for 10 years, and the sisters have owned it for the past two years.

Best Sellers

Miniature turtles by Ganz
These figurines may be tiny, but “they fly out of here,” Caity says. “We have them in a basket by the counter. They have different sayings on them—one says ‘survivor,’ others say ‘imagine,’ ‘be happy’ and ‘thinking of you.’

b. u. Jewelry
These sterling silver necklaces feature inspirational sayings on a half-inch ring dangling from the chain. Sample sentiments: “Best Mom,” “Hope” and “Dream.” Each comes in a box that contains a card with a positive quote.

Whitney Howard Cuff Bracelets
These nickel cuffs include a word or words etched in black. They might say, “Life Is Beautiful” or “Do one thing everyday that makes you happy.” A plain silver cuff that’s become especially popular has an inscription on the inside: “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.”

Primitives By Kathy Box Signs
These black wooden signs feature inspirational sayings, such as “Today is a Good Day” and “I Get by with a Little Help from my Friends.” The boxes range in size from 3-by-5 inches to 2-by-4 feet.

Heather Johnson Durocher

Durocher is a northern Michigan-based journalist who writes frequently about business for newspapers and magazines. She has contributed to USA Weekend, Woman's Day, Parents and American Baby. Visit her website at HeatherDurocher.com