Presents to Celebrate Parents

Drug Store and Gift Store Quality Gifts for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

When Mother’s Day rolls around, retailer Sara Villari stocks up on scented candles, soaps and other pamper items for Occasionette, her boutique with locations in Collingswood, N.J., and South Philadelphia., Pa. “We completely remerchandise the shops for Mother’s Day to put those gifts out front and center,” said Villari. “Then we follow up by posting on social media and letting our email list know all the different items we have.”

Villari takes the same approach for Father’s Day, when the bestselling gifts highlight dad’s gourmet side. “We sell a lot of cookbooks and cocktail gear for Father’s Day,” said the retailer. For both occasions, she added: “We sell a lot of cards. Cards will always be a big part of what we do.”

Coffee mugs are tops for both Mother’s and Father’s Day at Open House Store in Philadelphia. “For Mother’s Day, we also do really well with succulent plants,” noted Manager Sonia Skooglund . The store’s owners scour trade shows and survey trusted vendors to determine which gifts are most appealing, she added. “We really cater to a lot of different people. You’re able to come in here and find things for just about anyone.”

Mother’s Day “is just huge for us,” affirmed Dallas Mille r, retail manager and buyer at Hudson Drug Store in Paxton, Ill. The sprawling emporium dedicates about 75 percent of its sales floor to retail, and the spring occasions are always busy. Picture frames, blankets, candles, vases, apparel and mugs that say “Best Mom Ever” are among the top sellers. “Basically, things where Mom might look and say, ‘I’d like it, but I could use that money somewhere else,’” Miller said. “The kids will come in and say, ‘I know Mom’s been looking at these candles or that vase.’”

For Father’s Day, anything with a sports or beer theme sells well. Miller maximizes revenue for both holidays through a combination of social media outreach and old-fashioned customer service. “We do

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