Oct 9, 2007

GIFT SHOP Magazine announces successful completion of first annual Ultimate Makeover Contest

Hanover, Mass. – GIFT SHOP magazine is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Ultimate Makeover Contest. This year’s winner was Donna Trottier, owner of Blue Hydrangea in Wickford, RI.

Donna Kent, a visual merchandiser who has years of experience in the business, including a few at Laura Ashley stores, executed the makeover on a budget of $500. “Donna is just the kind of roll-your-sleeves-up person who is so great to work with,” said Kent of winner, Donna Trottier. “We were on schedule, on target, and it feels pretty good all around.”

Trottier was delighted with the results of the makeover. “This was really neat to see: Someone else’s interpretation of my inspiration is really valuable,” she said.

OneCoast was the sponsor of the makeover contest. Jeremy Hirsch, VP of Marketing for the company, said: “OneCoast strives to help its retailers grow their sales. One of the key ways for retailers to boost sales is through terrific merchandising. We love how The GIFT SHOP Magazine’s Makeover Contest paired a design expert with a retailer who benefited from the improvements.

Patricia Norins, publisher of GIFT SHOP, was excited to see the project come to fruition. “The results are spectacular,” she said, “we have really shown here that you don’t need thousands of dollars to give your store a fresh new look. A little creativity and imagination go a long way too.”

Visit the dedicated makeover website.

About GIFT SHOP:
GIFT SHOP magazine is a publication of Pinnacle Publishing Group, which has more than 11 years of experience in the publishing industry. Pinnacle also publishes Specialty Retail Report, the magazine for the specialty cart and kiosk industry, and the Retail Resource Guide, the only directory that’s compiled specifically for specialty retailers who operate from carts, kiosks, gift shops and temporary in-line stores. For more information about GIFT SHOP, please visit: GIFTSHOPmag.com.

About OneCoast:
OneCoast is a national provider of wholesale marketing and sales services for home, gift and collegiate products. For more information about OneCoast, please visit OneCoast.com.

About Donna Kent:
Donna Kent is an experienced visual merchandiser with varied experience in retail. She worked as Director of Visual Merchandising for all Laura Ashley stores nationwide. Kent implemented new visual merchandising standards at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and continues to consult there for special exhibitions. She now works as a designer at Bloomsbury Designs in Boston and as an independent retail consultant.

Contact: Patricia Norins, Publisher, GIFT SHOP
781-312-1055 Ext. 11