Special Gifts Section

Affordable Presents (From page 56)

Island brand, and the Buchanan line of men’s skincare.

Gourmet treats are also a hit with gift shoppers, especially around the holidays. “We have a very large candy counter,” noted Gillette. “It’s one of the highlight features of the store.” Zeb’s shoppers will find at least a dozen vendors of maple products, from syrup to sugar candy to gourmet maple coated popcorn. Other local lines offer salsa and pickled foods. To sell more of these goodies, Gillette said the store is promoting its gift baskets.

Distinctive displays set the tone for Zeb’s unique shopping experience. Visitors pass through a wide Victorian porch into rooms where merchandise is arranged on antique furnishings. A seasonal section inspires frequent shoppers, rotating from fall maple products to Christmas candy and late-winter hiking supplies.

Locally sourced products are also a hit with shoppers at the General Store & Company in Overland Park, Kan. Owner Michael Cole said his customers love fragrant candles, lotions and toiletries from a Kansas brand, and pickled foods and cocktail mixers from another nearby maker. “They’re products that are really interesting and unique,” explained Cole. One best-seller is a cracker kit containing crackers, savory toppings and cheeses.

“It’s best basically an instant appetizer mix in a box — you just pick that up and a bottle of wine.”

In his thoughtfully curated, 1,500-square-foot store, Cole also carries non-local products popular with gift givers. The heritage brand Pendleton, famous for its heirloom wool blankets, recently launched a sock line that has also proven successful. To attract more shoppers, Cole keeps up the store’s social media presence and advertises in local print media. “Thankfully, over 10 years, we’ve also developed a loyal following,” he noted.

The clientele at Vermont Discount Store in Williston is decidedly practical. Furniture and housewares are highlights of the 4,000-squarefoot emporium, and small appliances, like blenders or heaters, are top-selling gifts.

“We also have gourmet products, as well as a gluten-free aisle,” said Manager Chad Harrington .

Displays reflect the seasonal nature of Vermont Discount’s sales. “Right now, what’s selling is anything Thanksgiving related,” the manager said in early November. Harrington will rotate featured items again for Christmas and new products for 2022. “Gift cards are also very popular here, allowing people to get what they need to,” the manager added. ❖

Gift Product News Brief NB

SJT Enterprises Offers New Sea Life’s Beauty Surfboard Plaques

SJT Enterprises now has new Sea Life’s Beauty Surfboard Plaques. The company ships 100% - no back orders!

These plaques: measure 5 inches by 16 inches; are USA-made, at China prices; offer dozens of designs to choose from; are available with or without bottle opener; have a wholesale cost of $5.25 and $8.76; and have FREE Floor display options available.