Secrets from Santa’s Workshop

Chris Tkachuck, Director of Visuals for 
Midwest-CBK, shared her ideas for creative holiday displays. Mechanical Methods A rope and pulley system provides interest and movement, and highlights delightful elves and other colorful characters. The pulleys,... more »

Wooing Brides: Gift Registry 101

The bridal industry is a lucrative market and you 
can reap the benefits by having a wedding registry in your shop. The first thing you see when you enter Melinda's Fine Gifts is a table... more »

Vintage (Re)Visited

To sell vintage, you need a mix of something old and something new. Here's the anatomy of a "vintage" display.Cracker Jax in DeKalb, IL, began in 1984 as a vintage clothing store and has since... more »

All Fun and Games

Good toy design encourages creativity, invites exploration, and sparks a child's interest and imagination. As these examples illustrate, the same criteria apply to retail toy displays. This wooden wagon is just the right height for... more »

The Write Displays

Stationery displays can't simply be papered over. You need fresh ideas to create displays that are vibrant and cross-merchandised effectively. Here are some strategies that help. This table/wall combination display has all the right elements.... more »

Baby Displays to Coo Over

Have your baby sales enjoy a growth spurt by adding a touch of creativity to your tried and tested displays. Retailers around the country share their ideas for what works.Children's stores are wise to have... more »

Off-the-Wall Sales!

If you're running short of merchandising room, or even looking for prime selling space, don't ignore your walls. The last issue of GIFT SHOP looked at how walls can covey your store's marketing message. Here... more »

Jewelry Displays That Dazzle

Sure, you can use traditional risers but a little creativity with different props can go a long way in really making your store's jewelry inventory stand out. These ideas will inspire you to try your... more »

Tried and Tested: Testing Station Basics

Providing customers with experiential shopping promotes sales. This is especially true when you're selling bath and body products. Testing stations, however small, are essential for effective selling in the merchandise category. Here are some do's... more »

Glowing Displays

Make sure to use candles to accent lifestyle and tabletop displays. Show off your candlesticks and candleholders. Customers looking for candles end up adding candlesticks; customers looking for candleholders usually add the candles. It's a... more »