InStore Spring 2023

in Love Fall

RETAILERS

Wold

Andrea Heins

is excited to partner with SAGEBROOK HOME as their premier Canadian distributor starting June 2023.

Something for Everyone

his is our most robust spring issue to date, illustrating the health and vitality of the gift industry. Despite doom and gloom in media reports consumers in Canada are still looking to buy gifts for loved ones and themselves, no matter the state of the economy. Of course this doesn’t mean that savvy store owners and suppliers aren’t closely watching the markets and ensuring they have the products that consumers want at the prices they’re currently willing to pay.

To make sourcing a breeze for you in the coming months, this edition is literally bursting at the seams with product. In our editorial pages, we introduce you to unique items from over 40 vendors while there are another 40 companies advertising their wares in these pages, all of whom are eager to do business with you!

You’ll probably notice that we put a focus on Canadian-made products in this issue. We know that store owners are increasingly looking to stock their shelves with products that can’t be found in every shop and on every corner. Many small Canadian makers are dedicated to maintaining regional exclusives which are still so important to retailers and a powerful point of differentiation. We scoured Instagram and maker sites and reached out to dozens of companies so that we could showcase their unique and not-as-yet highly publicized brands. In all, we managed to source over 20 companies which we hope will help you diversify your product assortment in a positive way.

Beyond pages of the latest products, we’ve also packed this issue with inspiration. If you’re looking for insight into how to turn heads and drive sales with a thoughtfully executed window display, check out Nickeisha Lewis’s Retail Visions column on page 52.

If you’ve been thinking about branching out and testing a pop-up location, flip to page 40 for The Power of Pop-ups. An information piece we can all learn from is written by world-renowned retail consultant Barbara Wold. Managing Generation Z, starting on page 33, gives us insight into how this generation likes to work.

All in all, your favourite industry publication is packed with insight, information and inspiration specifically for independent store owners in Canada. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you!

Erica Kirkland, Publisher & Editor

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE RETAILERS

TEditor & Publisher

Erica Kirkland ekirkland@instoremagazine.ca

Design & Layout

Gerry Wiebe

Advertising & Production Coordinator

Tina Nicholl tina@instoremagazine.ca

Advertising Inquiries ekirkland@instoremagazine.ca 905-690-0492

Mailing Address: 103 Niska Drive Waterdown, ON L8B 0M8

Contributors

Castlerock Studios, Will Fournier, Andrea Hein, Leslie Groves, Nickeisha Lewis , Barbara Wold

InStore Magazine™ is published four times a year for independent retailers in Canada selling giftware, home décor, fashion accessories and lifestyle items. The magazine is mailed to 12,000 stores including gift, home décor, hardware, pharmacy and florist.

© 2023 InStore Magazine™. The contents of this publication are the property of InStore Magazine. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part, for any reason, is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the copyright owner. The publisher is not responsible for product claims made by the companies mentioned herein.

Printed in Canada

Publication mail #40841587. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: InStore Magazine™, 103 Niska Drive, Waterdown ON L8B 0M8.

Email: editorial@instoremagazine.ca

Cheers!

Ring in the New Year with a stylish cocktail vignette

1/ Cocktail glass set from Viski, $44.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

2/ Legacy wine opener from Corkpops, $29 retail, Canada Distributor Corp., 905-706-9463, sales@canadadistributor.com

3/ Tea towel from Scrunch Face, $9.99 retail, Bella Flor, 800-667-1902, www.bellaflor.ca

4/ Simple syrup from Good Citizen Coffee Co., $25 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

5/ Cocktail calendar tea towel from Demdaco, $32 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

6/ Remove a can top completely with the Draft Top, $17.50 retail, Canada Distributor Corp., 905-706-9463, sales@canadadistributor.com

7/ Flavoured cocktail mixes, $4.99 retail each, Gourmet du Village, 800-668-2314, www.gourmetduvillage.com

8/ The Mini Bar Library from True Brands, $41.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Travel Essentials

1/ Brooklyn crossbody, $90 retail, Pixie Mood, 888-882-8386, www.pixiemood.ca

2/ Socks, $18 retail, Socksmith Canada, 416-650-0440, www.socksmithcanada.com

3/ Compass, Fire the Imagination, 888-780-0864, www.firetheimagination.ca

4/ Travel water bottle from Pure, $19.99 retail, CTG Brands, 905-761-3330, www.ctgbrands.com

5/ Bamboo utensil kit, $25 retail, Fenigo, 519-571-8827, www.fenigo.com

6/ Outback body spray, from $19.95 retail, Finesse Home, 866787-5494, www.finessehome.com

7/ Memory journal, $13 retail, Seek Publishing, 800-826-4929, www.seekpublishing.com

8/ Pocket paint kit, $30 retail, It’s OK. It’s Art., 705-868-4336, www.itsokitsart.com

O u t b a c k

S P R I N G 2 0 2 3

O u t b a c k S p r a y s

P e r f e c t f o r

o u t d o o r s ,

h i k i n g , f i s h i n g ,

c a m p i n g a n d

t r a v e l -

M a d e w i t h

C e d a r w o o d ,

L e m o n

E u c a l y p t u s ,

L e m o n g r a s s &

A l o e V e r a

Let’s Get Personal

Personal care and apparel to pamper your clients

1/ Body oils, $18 retail each, Blooming Wild Botanicals, 506 243-1815, www.bloomingwild.ca

2/ Foaming body wash from Bridgewater, $19 retail, Candym Enterprises, 800-263-3551, www.candym.com

3/ Sisal and jute body brushes, $40 retail each, Merben International, 416-492-7754, www.merben.com

4/ Exfoliating gloves, $10 retail, Buff Experts, www.buffexperts.com

5/ Women’s underwear from $24 retail, Devon & Lang, 877-686-2521, www.devonandlang.com

6/ Ethereal Glow lotion bar, $24 retail, Blooming Wild Botanicals, 506 243-1815, www.bloomingwild.ca

7/ Black bathrobe, $130 retail, Sunset Snuggles, 604-852-1152, www.sunsetsnuggles.com

8/ Straight-blade safety razors, $68 retail, DYP Refillery, www.dyprefillery.com

Fun & Games

Help your customers unwind with a sweet selection of fun stuff and games!

1/ General knowledge game all about Canada for ages 10 and up, $19.99 retail, Jeux Face 4, www.jeuxface4.com

2/ Cribbage board, $27 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

3/ Classic bingo game, $25 retail, Fire the Imagination, 888-780-0864, www.firetheimagination.ca

4/ Mini beer pong, $25 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

5/ Stuffed animal, $39.95 retail, The Warm Buddy Company, 888-649-0649, www.warmbuddy.com

6/ 150-piece mini puzzles in tubes, $12 retail, Fire the Imagination, 888-780-0864, www.firetheimagination.ca

7/ Stroll down memory lane with Past and Present journals, $13 retail, Seek Publishing, 800-826-4929, www.seekpublishing.com

The Excitement Continues!

Canada Cares

Check out this amazing selection of personal care items from Canadian makers!

1/ Natural and toxic-free cleaners, $12.50 retail each, The Bare Company, www.thebarecompany.ca

2/ Shower steamers made from essential oils, $22 retail, DYP Refillery, www.dyprefillery.com

3/ Non-scented facial cleanser and face cream, $15.95 and $36.95 retail respectively, Pure NonScents, 844-267-7873, www.purenon-scents.com

4/ All natural cleaning products, $12.99 retail each, Nothing Cleaner by Aquanaka, 902-943-8406, www.nothingcleaner.ca

5/ Tin candle made from GMO-free soybean wax, $20 retail, Essence of Life Soaps and Candles, 647-857-9243, www.soyelegance.ca

6/ Birch bark cream and extract, from $12.95 retail, Maskwiomin, 902-577-7822, www.maskwiomin.com

7/ Cashmere soap bars, $16 retail each, Soak Bath Co., 204-806-2345, www.cksoakbathco.com

GourmetGoodies

An irresistible selection of made-in-Canada gourmet goodies

1/ Portable mini campfire made from natural beeswax, $26.99 retail, Abeego, 855-522-3346, www.abeego.com

2/ The MustArt collection of mustard, $19 retail, Atlantic Mustard Mill, 902-326-9017, www.luckybeehomestead.com

3/ Spicy, sweet and savory spreads, $14 retail each, SaltSpring Kitchen, 250-931-6000, www.saltspringkitchen.com

4/ Peanut brittle, $7.49 retail, Brittles ’n More, 519-884-3505, www.brittles-n-more.com

5/ Drink infusion kits, $19.95 retail, Fuse & Sip, 604-848-4779, www.fuseandsip.com

6/ Herbal tea blends, $10.50 retail, Natural Moose, 780-918-0883, www.naturalmoose.com

7/ Stackable cookie tin with 24 cookies, $28 retail, Mary Macleod’s Shortbread, 416-461-4576, www.marymacleod.com

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bougies La Française (Maison Berger Paris) info @ maisonberger.ca

News & Notes

New Lineup for Canada Distributor Corp

Canada Distributor Corp has secured the rights to distribute four new-to-them brands, all patented wine accessories. The brands will be sold solely through independent-owned stores in Canada.

The brands include Corkpops, a company best known for its Legacy Bottle opener which uses a low-pressure inert gas cartridge to gently pop the cork from a wine bottle without affecting the taste of the wine or harming the environment. (www.corkpops.com).

Also new is Drink Pure Wine with a worldwide patent for a product called No More Wine Headaches. The wand-like product purifies wine by removing both histamines and sulphates. Each box of wands also contains an assortment of twist-off wine charms. (www.drinkpurewine.com)

Rounding out the assortment are Draft Tops, a fun new product that takes the entire lid off of a can. Made in the United States, the Draft Top safely removes and lifts the top off beverage cans, allowing consumers to enjoy the full aroma and smooth pour of their favourite beverage without needing a glass or wasting a plastic cup. (www.drafttop.com)

The fourth brand in Canada Distributor Corp.’s new line-up is Haley’s Corker, a product invented by women. Smaller than a cork with seven colour options available, the product acts as an aerator, filter, pourer, re-corker and stopper with product info to explain all these attributes. (www.haleyscorker.com)

All products ship from Toronto and are sold in Canadian dollars. 905-706-9463, www.canadadistributor.com

News & Notes

New at Candym

Notes is the new way to candle and Candym is bringing the innovative product to the Canadian marketplace. A starter kit comes with a base to which customers can add refillable wax pellets when needed. This avoids single-use containers ending up in landfills. Made with natural wax composed of soy, rice bran and beeswax, Notes are made with non-toxic fragrance, no phthalates, no parabens, dyes or petroleum wax. Also new for the company is a partnership with Sagebrook Home. Founded in 2015, the company is known for staying ahead of the trends with more than 4000 new product introductions a year. The design team creates and sources wall art, furniture, garden, accessories and lighting pieces from all over the world. The range features a mix of modern, glam, transitional and coastal styles. 800-263-3551, www.candym.com

News & Notes THE GOODS

Maison Berger Partnership

In collaboration with Bougies La Française celebrity interior designer Darbie Angell has teamed up to create a collection of mood driven fragrances and design forward vessels which are available through Maison Berger. Empowering women is what drives Angell so a percentage of profits goes back to benefit education and job opportunities for women around the world. 450-687-7771, www.bougies-la-francaise.com

Spongelle at Bella Flor

Spongellé recently announced a new distribution partnership with Bella Flor in Canada. The Los Angeles-based company specialises in innovative personal care products including patented body wash infused buffers. The company was founded on this product which they created. Infused with extracts, moisturizers and gentle cleansers the buffers combine soap with a buffer for a unique personal care experience. 800-667-1902, www.bellaflor.ca

HELPING

TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE & ECO CONSCIOUS LIFESTYLE!

$150 OPENING ORDER FREE TESTERS PRIVATE LABELING

E l e v a t e y o u r e v e r y d a y

G o u r m e t p r e s e r v e s .

H a n d m a d e o n S a l t S p r i n g I s l a n d , B C .

s a l t s p r i n g k i t c h e n . c o m

Showrooms:

Temporaries:

PRODUCT SOURCED FROM :BLOOMINGVILLE, CBK, CREATIVE CO-OP, DANIEL RICHARDS, FIELDSTONE, J DOUGLAS, JUST GOT 2 HAVE IT, KALALOU, ROAD RUNNERS, SCHAUBEN & CO.

©2023 International Market Centers, LLC

Fashion Forward

Styling by Leslie Groves

Photography by Will Fournier

Managing Generation Z

Today’s employers are struggling to make deep, lasting connections with their employees. There’s no denying that the workaholic trend of the 1980s has shifted to employees vowing to only put forth the bare minimum effort in the workplace.

There has been a great deal of talk lately regarding employee engagement in the workplace and how it affects retention, productivity, loyalty and even customer satisfaction. Generational differences within the workplace have a significant impact on employee engagement levels in the store.

Differing values, work styles, and life experiences can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and negative stereotyping, all of which can lead to a decline in employee engagement.

Managing Generation Z in the workplace is getting harder and harder for employers. Many employers believe this generation is the most demanding so far. On the other hand, employers are looking to find the best ways to attract and keep them in the workplace.

Generation Z will soon make up a third of the working population. Hence, companies need to understand them better to enable them at work and boost their satisfaction and productivity.

COMMON TRAITS

1. They change jobs frequently. While Millennials and older generations may not prefer frequent career change, Gen Z is different. The labor market is quite flexible today, and there are many career options for everyone. For employers, this means

How to Onboard and Retain Gen Z Employees

By Barbara Wold

harder employee retention. They’re tasked with making Gen Z’s working experience as enjoyable and attractive as possible.

2. They prefer diverse workplaces. When analyzing Gen Z’s workplace preferences, it’s important to know that they like working in diverse organizations and teams. Some workplace statistics confirm diversity in the workplace matters for 88 percent.

3. They are smartphone lovers. Gen Zs don’t leave their phones out of their sight. As many as 98 percent own a smartphone. Knowing this, employers need to accommodate their workplace tech ability and make sure that they offer mobile access to almost everything employees need to do their jobs.

4. Workplace tech is important to them. With the increase of Gen Z in the workplace, companies are becoming more and more digital.

5. Continuous learning is a must. Many Gen Z employees are ambitious, career driven and eager to learn new things. They want to be able to acquire new skills and knowledge within the workplace. Three quarters of Gen Zs expect to learn on the job from coworkers, managers and even customers.

6. They are stressed out. Because of their drive to grow and develop their careers, Gen Z employees are faced with more stress at work. More than one in three find it difficult to cope with pressure and stress at work. With 91 percent experiencing at least one symptom of stress, they need better support from their employers and coworkers.

ACCOMMODATING THIS GENERATION

Now let’s look at how to accommodate the needs, wants and preferences of Gen Zs.

1. Employee well-being programs. To help employees cope with stress at work, many employers have implemented employee wellbeing programs, and 82 percent of Generation Z employees find it important to have mental health days.

2. Better leadership and transparent work culture. Gen Z appreciate transparency at work and healthy relationships with their peers and managers. Appropriate leadership styles are important to them. Empathy and honesty are at the top of their list. This generation wants their leaders to be transparent and supportive, and they expect them to listen to what they have to say. If you haven’t done it yet, implementing regular employee surveys/reviews are a must. This will enable managers to track employee satisfaction and engagement at work.

3. Socialization. In-person socialization with their colleagues is important to seven in 10 Gen Zs with 73 percent reporting feeling alone sometimes or always. Gen Z consider making friends, networking, and finding a mentor among their biggest challenges. More than a fifth report having no friends at work.

4. Diversity and inclusion. Gen Zs find it essential to work for a company that cares about diversity, equality and inclusion. When hiring, engage your employees. Employee advocacy is one of the best ways to leverage social recruiting to attract new and diverse talent to your organization.

5. Learning and career development. Among Gen Zs surveyed, 34 percent noted that limited career progression opportunities are a reason to quit their job.

6. Easy access to company information. Employees spend 25 percent of their time looking for information they need to do their jobs. This is one of the biggest productivity killers in organizations. Like in their private lives, Gen Z wants important company information at their fingertips.

7. Better communication. Close to two thirds (62 percent) of Gen Z employees agree that the communication they received has equipped them with the resources and skills to do their new job well. Communication is the very first step for ensuring employee success

in the organization. Make sure that you have a structured new employee communication program with designated materials, videos (can be done on your phone, nothing fancy), and employee guidelines. The correct communication makes them feel welcomed and valued in their new company.

8. Mobile-friendly technology. Employers need to do their best to provide mobile access to important workplace information. More than 80 percent of the world’s workforce is mobile - frontline workers whose jobs don’t require a desk, computer or email.

9. Social recruiting. If you want to attract and hire Gen Zs in your company, consider social recruitment efforts. According to research, almost half (48 percent) of Gen Z employees found their current jobs on social media. To strengthen your brand even further, encourage employees to share your company’s social media content and job openings on their personal social channels.

10. Employee advocacy. Don’t limit employee advocacy to social recruiting only. Happy Gen Zs can be your best brand ambassadors!

If you are looking for a modern employee engagement and social platform to connect your Gen Z workers and drive their motivation and productivity, go from looking digital to living digital. The workplace must be redesigned to operate in synchrony and connect all workers to those that they work with when, where and how they need it – regardless of location or device. Making the shift requires connecting worker experience to business outcomes. By putting workers at the center of design, it becomes possible to create a digital workplace that transforms how people collaborate, get work done and ultimately do business.

Barbara Wold is an international speaker, author and business strategist. Her areas of expertise include customer care, marketing strategy, multi-generational staffing, CRM and tourism. She is a representative for the International Council of Shopping Centers and has taught in over 20 countries.

Seasonal Sneak Peek

What trends are in store for the holidays?

Styling by Leslie Groves

Photography by Will Fournier

Lift

1/ Tea towel set, $20 retail for three, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

2/ Pajama set, $27 retail, Hatley The Little Blue House, 877-781-1879, www.littlebluehouse.com

3/ Colour-your-own wrapping paper, $6 retail, It’s Ok It’s Art, 705-868-4336, www.itsokitsart.com

4/ Appetizer plates from Danica Jubilee, from $45 retail, Danica, 888-632-6422, www.danicabrands.com

5/ Cocktail napkins from Now Designs by Danica, from $18 retail for set, Danica, 888-632-6422, www.danicabrands.com

6/ Pillow, $39.99 retail, Lady Rosedale, 416-854-2948, www.ladyrosedale.ca

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 5 inStore. Spring 2023 37 www.instoremagazine.ca

7/ Cracker dishtowels, $12 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Natural Wonders

A sweet, down-home holiday trend with a strong focus on the wonders of nature

1/ Wooden reindeer, $14 retail, Stargazer Originals, 905-670-3346, www.stargazeroriginals.com

2/ Pinecone stocking hanger, $33 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com

3/ Woven star tree topper, $28 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com

4/ Embroidered star stocking, $56 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com

5/ Sisal tree, $28 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

6/ Beaded tree, $18 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com

7/ Natural forest cushion cover, $25 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

8/ Pampas grass accent tree, $65 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

The Power of Pop-Ups

While not a new concept, pop-up shops were on fire beginning in 2010. Temporary markets have been around for centuries, but something interesting was happening in 2010 and 2011 that felt different. Empty retail spaces in otherwise busy malls and streets were being taken over temporarily by often new and local businesses hoping to test out a new demographic area. Then big brands started to jump on the trend as a way to test out new locations and clientele. While the popularity of pop-ups started to slow around 2019, the pandemic helped to bump their popularity back up into the trend zone.

AVAILABILITY OF SPACE

More and more retail spaces have become available after the pandemic for obvious reasons, but transition alone from clicks to bricks can be quite an undertaking. Many online shops don’t have store windows, fixtures, lighting and leases to worry about. How do businesses get over these hurdles? To get a sense of how cities are assisting businesses transition into the brick-and-mortar market, I spoke with Darren Becks, manager of downtown development for the city of Kitchener.

Downtown Kitchener is one of the only communities in Ontario that has a dedicated downtown team. They work closely with the Business Improvement Area (BIA) to entice businesses which support the community and reflect the diversity of the city’s downtown.

“Pre pandemic there was always an interest in pop-up markets because they drove activity by bringing people

into the streets,” says Becks. “They created engagements while animating the downtown. During the pandemic, when people were confined to their homes for so long, we noticed a surge in home-based businesses that didn’t

Why Temporary Shops are Still a Savvy Business Investment

By Andrea Hein

have market spaces or maker festivals to attend shifting to online places like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace,” continues Becks. “From an economic development perspective, we wanted to help those people expand their markets and grow

their business so we created something of an incubator. Some of them jumped right in, but others were hesitant and wanted to try something smaller like a stall at the Kitchener market or a pop-up with a short-term lease option.

“Right now, we’re seeing people in two streams of activity: those who want to grow and expand their brand, and those that are comfortable where they are with their smaller market. For those that want to grow, the DTK (downtown Kitchener)

and risks that most makers may not have considered.

“Businesses need to work hard to become a destination unto themselves, but there are so many challenges associated with starting up brick-andmortar physical spaces, so we feel like there are a few stops along the way where we can assist business owners decide if this is right for them.

There are some educational pieces the city plans to utilize as well for first-time shop owners. Merchandising is a big focus with the goal of creating a space that speaks to the brand, while making it a complete shopping experience for customers. Understanding the power of social media within the brick-andmortar space and connecting virtually with customers even though you offer in-person services is also imperative. “We’re really trying to pull together the right suite of supports that will allow that transition to happen,” says Becks. “We want to remove the barriers and obstacles to create opportunity.”

SWITCHING FROM CLICKS TO BRICKS

For those ready to make the switch from clicks to bricks here are a few tips.

Fixtures

Not all pop-up locations will offer fixtures. Most spaces will be bare bones, so plan to purchase a few standard fixtures to showcase your product including risers and sign holders. For basic fixtures check out Eddie’s Hang-Up Display (www.eddies.com).

end-uses. Which items do you want to greet your customers with? Where will you place add-on items?

Signage

Ensure all signage is consistent with your brand. Use the same font as your packaging and forego handwritten signage which can negatively impact your brand image. If graphic design is not your forte, signage templates can be easily created using free software like Canva (www.canva.com). Keep your logo and colour story consistent.

Packaging

Your packaging says so much about your brand, but you don’t need to break the bank on beautiful boxes, bags, ribbons and bows. Wholesalers like Creative Bag (www.creativebag.com) offer simple and affordable packaging as well as customized options for small orders.

team is working on creating shorter-term, lower-commitment pop-up spaces for business owners to test out the market or just create some brand awareness. It’s one thing to be a creative maker but running a store brings a whole other set of rules

To reinforce your brand, consider using furniture and found objects to give your store a warmer, more welcoming touch. Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji and thrift stores can offer so many great used furniture items like, dressers, bookshelves, end tables and desks. Use crates, old suitcases and ottomans to display smaller pieces and dining tables or hutches for larger pieces.

Merchandising Plan

Consider how your product is categorized and what categories will be adjacent to each other to help customers envision

Window Displays

If window displays aren’t in your wheelhouse, consider hiring a local freelancer or even students from a nearby college which teaches visual merchandising arts. There are tons of students looking to gain industry experience.

Andrea Hein is the coordinator of Conestoga College’s Visual Merchandising Program as well as the owner of Andrea Hein Occasions which specialises in custom décor for various clients including the Buffalo Bills. Hein started her career at Walt Disney World and has worked for both boutique and big-box stores. (www.andreaheinoccassions.com)

Gifts for Men

A great collection of gifts for guys!

1/ Beer can socks, $18 retail, Hatley Little Blue House, 877-781-1879, www.littlebluehouse.com

2/ The Dude candle, $20 retail, Pinetree Innovations, 306-477-3236, www.shoppinetree.com

3/ Men’s boxers, $34 retail, Devon & Lang, 877-686-2521, www.devonandlang.com

4/ Hockey Tic Tac Toe set, $25 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

5/ Travel mug from Demdaco, $44 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

6/ Clock, $150 retail, Kozie Lifestyle, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

7/ Dad’s garage sign, $45 retail, Pinetree Innovations, 306-477-3236, www.shoppinetree.com

8/ Men’s socks, $20 retail, Socksmith Canada, 416-650-0440, www.socksmithcanada.com

9/ Camera clock and weight, $81 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com

10/ Corkcicle mug, $58.95 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

11/ Grimm apron, $27.99 retail, Bella Flor, 800-667-1902, www.bellaflor.ca

12/ Past and Present journals, $13 retail, Seek Publishing, 800-826-4929, www.seekpublishing.com

13/ Coffee mug and beer glass set, $30 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

14/ Fish-shaped pocketknife, $9 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

We’re head over heels for this sumptuous selection of items for fall decorating

Fall in Love

Styling by Leslie Groves

Photography by Will Fournier

Fall in Love

1/ Pumpkin cushion, $30 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

2/ Tea towels, $38 for set, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com

3/ Cottonwood block tablecloth, $150 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com

4/ Decorative pumpkin, $12 retail, CTG Brands, 905-761-3330, www.ctgbrands.com

5/ Divided heart bowl, $40 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

6/ Macrame basket, $65 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com

7/ Candleholders from the Terrazzo Collection, from $12.50 retail, CTG Brands, 905-761-3330, www.ctgbrands.com

8/ Coasters, $40 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

Fall in Love

1/ Cushion, from $48.99 retail, Lady Rosedale, 416-854-2948, www.ladyrosedale.ca

2/ Pillow with leaves, $40 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

3/ Sign on stand, $12.50 retail, Stargazer Originals, 905-670-3346, www.stargazeroriginals.com

4/ Yellow blanket, $100 retail, Sunset Snuggles, 604-852-1152, www.sunsetsnuggles.com

5/ White house, $14 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com

6/ Raffia pumpkins, $75 retail for set, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

7/ Brown pumpkin, $23 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

8/ Organic lamb’s wool throw, $199 retail, Klippan, 613-858-0655, www.kidinme.com

9/ Set of wooden hearts, $50 retail, Stargazer Originals, 905-670-3346, www.stargazeroriginals.com

A sweet selection of apparel and fashion accessories your customers are certain to swoon over

Fashion Forward

Styling by Leslie Groves

Photography by Will Fournier

Fashion Forward

1/ Mia sweater, $210 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

2/ Mirage women’s socks, $29 retail, Solmate Canada, 416-650-0440, www.solmatecanada.com

3/ Crinkle boat top, $114 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

4/ Necklace, $25 retail, Suzie Blue Canada, 613-686-6250, www.suziebluecanada.ca

5/ Painted patchwork scarf, $55 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

6/ Jewellery travel case, $45 retail, Lover’s Tempo, 604-871-3302, www.loverstempo.com

Fashion Forward

1/ Blue dichroic earrings, $25 retail, Flame Work Designs, 250-857-3078, www.flameworkdesigns.com

2/ Hand-embroidered wool jacket/ kimono, $279 retail, Baba Imports, 647-389-4503, www.babaimports.ca

3/ White Bali bag, $55 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

4/ Star drop earrings, $95 retail, Lover’s Tempo, 604-871-3302, www.loverstempo.com

5/ Necklace from Layers, $31.95 retail, Axicon World Imports, 800-465-5587, www.axiconworld.com

6/ Harlow Surf scarf, $52 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

Window Displays 101

How to turn heads and drive sales with a thoughtfully executed window display

By Nickeisha Lewis

Creating a window display for new seasons is not only fun, but it’s also a great way to showcase your new products and drive sales. To help you get started, we have put together seven simple steps to create beautiful and eye-catching window displays that will make your store stand out from the competition this season.

START WITH A STORY

Create a theme or a colour palette for your display which incorporates or complements your brand colours. Think of the story you want to tell and use that to inspire your design. Whether you want to create a garden-themed display or a bold and colourful one, let your imagination run wild!

SKETCH IT OUT

Once you have your theme in mind, grab a pen and piece of paper and start sketching out your ideas. Create a focal point that will draw in customers and use props to create a visually stunning display. If you’re not a very artsy person, look to Pinterest for inspiration and create a visual mood board with all your favourite pictures.

GET BOLD AND WHIMSICAL

A new season is all about new beginnings and fresh starts, so don’t be afraid to add some fun, bold and whimsical elements to your display. Think colourful props, creative signs or even quirky posters. This is your chance to have some fun and show off your brand’s true personality!

THINK ABOUT SIGHTLINES

When planning your window display, it’s important to consider sightlines. You need to make sure your display is visible from all angles and heights, so people are drawn in from a distance when they’re walking by. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different placements and angles to find the perfect position for your display. You want people to notice it.

KEEP IT BALANCED AND SIMPLE

While it’s important to get creative, it’s equally important to keep your display balanced, simple and inline with your brand’s aesthetic. Don’t overcrowd your display with too many elements or details, as this distracts from the message and overwhelms the eye. Instead, focus on creating a clear, clean and balanced display that draws attention to your products.

LIGHT IT UP

Lighting is key to creating an impactful window display. Use spotlights or coloured lightning to highlight your focal point or merchandise. Play around with different lighting effects until you find the perfect ambience for your display.

PLAN YOUR MERCHANDISE PLACEMENT

It’s now time to showcase your products. Use props and displays to create a cohesive story that ties back to your theme and aesthetic. Make sure to place your products in a way that highlights their features and benefits.

And there you have it! By following these seven simple steps, you can create a stunning window display that will leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Nickeisha Lewis is the founder of Nola Designs, a retail interior design firm based out of Kitchener, Ont. Nickeisha and her team focus on helping female-owned businesses take their retail stores to the next level. www.noladesigns.ca

It’s time to give your storefront a makeover that will turn heads and attract customers!

Mushroom Magical

Magical forest legumes are popping up everywhere we turn

1/ Ceramic mushroom, $13 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

2/ Now Designs by Danica mushroom mug, from $16.99 retail, Danica, 888-632-6422, www.danicabrands.com

3/ Ceramic mushroom, $5 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com

4/ Women’s socks, $18 retail, Socksmith Canada, 416-650-0440, www.socksmithcanada.com

5/ Toadstool ornament, $15 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com

6/ Forest Magic lotion bar, $16 retail, Blooming Wild Botanicals, 506 243-1815, www.bloomingwild.ca

7/ Large wooden mushroom, $14 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com