Summer: a time for warm weather, vacations, barbeques, and the Summer Show season!  Subsequently, in the retail industry, much of our Summer focus is on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Kwanza, Christmas, or better put, Fall and Winter!!!  Brrrr!  

The bright side, it’s fun to find that new, exciting merchandise that will fill our stores for the holidays ahead, and even though times are a little tough right now, remember new merchandise is what drives the consumers into your stores.  Here at the Gift and Home Channel, we are very excited to be able to provide you with new content about trends to be on the lookout for at the at the Summer markets and new products that will add to your assortment.

Recently we went alongside Susie Homemaker to discover the latest trends for fall and winter.  Make sure you watch her video here before you attend the summer markets so you are prepared with the latest trend info.  Also, join John Saxton, Editor-in-Chief of Giftware News Magazine for another installment of Treasure Hunt as he prepares you for market with his preview of top picks.
 
Keep in mind however, to stay focused on your brand, your customer and your merchandise mix.  If the products highlighted in Treasure Hunt are not in sync with your store image, than no matter how fun or cute they are, you shouldn’t buy them. 

Knowing what is trendy in the categories of merchandise that you carry is very important.  Especially during tough times, it is crucial that you buy merchandise with an eye towards your customers likes, as this is what will draw them into your store.  But, do buy new merchandise.  All the articles you read regarding how to survive downtimes discuss the importance of keeping your business fresh.  This includes new product, fun, new displays – pick up some great ideas from the vendors you purchase from, as they know better than anyone how to display their product, as well as highlight your new product and displays by planning some fun activities in your store. 

Happy shopping!

Leslie