Spotlight on Store Fixtures and Lighting

throughout the floor of the gift shop.

As elsewhere, earrings are a best-seller, especially from the collectible Silver Forest line, which offers coordinating pieces and a popular loyalty program. Kristi's does especially well with crosses and other faith-themed jewelry as well, according to Searcy.

Jewelry is also a perennially strong category at Lori's Card and Gift in Hayward, Wis. But after strong sales last year, Owner Donna Disera has noticed demand softening throughout the store this year, perhaps in response to rising inflation.

Lori's is a 16-year fixture in Hayward, which sees a lot of business from seasonal vacationers in Wisconsin’s Northwoods region.

At the 2,100-square-foot Hallmark Gold Crown store, Disera a while, and then it just slowed down.” Taking her cue from customers, Starman put the store’s remaining jewelry — mostly bracelets — on the clearance rack and is waiting for tastes to shift before replenishing inventory.

“I'm sure that jewelry will come back in a few years,” Starman added, “and then we'll get more in stock.” ❖ features a large mix of fine and costume jewelry. In the latter department, the Silver Forest line is a consistent hit with shoppers. "We keep our finer jewelry in a locked case with LED lighting," the retailer said. The displays are attractive and seem effective, so Disera said she doesn't overthink it. "I don't really have strong opinions about the lighting, to be honest," she laughed.

Regardless of displays and lighting, jewelry doesn’t sell well everywhere. At Jan's Hallmark in Allen Park, Mich., earrings, necklaces and bracelets haven't been attracting shoppers this year. “These things go in cycles,” reflected Manager Shell Starman . “Jewelry was selling like crazy for