Product Features

Just The Zing

Whipping up sales Chew on this: Tough economic times may actually result in an increase in gourmet food purchases. "In recessionary times, specialty food purchases have been strong because they are viewed as affordable luxuries,"... more »

Message in a Bauble

Message Mania Lynn Switanowski-Barrett points out that in times of recession or war, consumers have often looked for products that are positive and upbeat. Jewelry bearing messages of hope, inspiration and celebration fits the bill... more »

Profit from Play

Defining Specialty Kathleen McHugh encourages you to remember this fact: Many baby boomers are now grandparents. And, says the president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, grandparents are willing to spend money and buy... more »

Trending Up: Summer 2008

AuerhahnStainless steel oil and vinegar set has a matte finish. 51/2" width and 8" height. Designed with a hidden stopper to give precise pouring. 800.999.6347Auerhahn-Bestecke.de Lulu & Merie Inc.Stylized playing card sets come packaged in... more »

Fab Finds: Spring 2008

The Birthday Interview Keepsake box contains everything customers need to conduct an interview every year on their child's birthday. Each box contains a booklet with interviewing tips and a list of 35 suggested interview questions,... more »

Targeting Trendy Tweens

Big Rewards Kenneth Nisch will tell you that marketing to tweens is a study in contradictions. Tweens want to be treated as older, but they still giggle and jump up and down on the bed.... more »

I’ll Take That, Too: Increasing Impulse Buys

Strategic Placement Step into In-Courage in San Antonio, and you'll see three items near the point of sale: a basket of chocolate-covered sunflower seeds, a drawer display of Lady Primrose lip balm, and a seasonal... more »

Organize Your Sales

Stock for Sales Retailer John Soroka can appreciate the necessity of maximizing space usage without clutter. He is the co-owner of Delphinium Home in New York City—a city where space is always at a premium.... more »

Trending Up: Spring 2008

StaxxRing Inc. Staxx is a patented, interchangeable system that is fun and fashionable—allowing customers to design and create a limitless number and variety of individual rings and pendants. 866.697.8299Staxx.com HeadsUp Design Co. "About Time" clocks... more »

Cashing in on Country

Cottage Charms On a recent afternoon, a customer of Country Cottage dropped in to check out the shop's selection of seasonal decor. That loyal customer bought enough to decorate her entire home for the holidays—and... more »