Commentary A New Season for Best Practices M

any retailers interviewed for this issue are expressing an upbeat viewpoint for the summer selling climate, especially in the special feature “Retailer Perspectives on the Summer Season - Retailers See Reasons for Optimism.” In the article, four retailers weighed in on doing business during the pandemic, and on the current business environment. Many vendors are expecting merchandise demand, and after a year of uncertainty, there is hope for a retail rebound. The vacation season, despite the vaccine, will still certainly warrant an abundance of caution. But it could be that shoppers will treat themselves to everything from apparel and jewelry to souvenirs and gifts.

Scott C. Borowsky

Quotable

The issue is full of great ideas for retailers to sharpen up their operations and discover new best practices. In the Apparel section, we look at the current apparel picture at seaside stores, with bonus sidebars on fashion accessory best-sellers and the status of sock and footwear sales. The section also offers a story on the top-selling T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.

In the SGN regular Jewelry section, we examine the retail picture at pharmacies and gift shops, with a bonus sidebar “Creating a Climate of Service – Top Jewelry-Selling Tips.” There is also the interesting feature “Maritime Museum Report – Trends in Jewelry and Nautical Gifts.”

As an added bonus in this issue, we offer a Display and Visual Merchandising Section. The section covers museum store home décor and gift displays, including a sidebar on who gets to create the displays. There is also an article that focuses on the display of signs, including a sidebar on the best-selling signs, and a story on displaying soaps and candles.

In the Gourmet Section, we offer the article “The Enduring Appeal of Edible Treats – A Look at Gourmet Snack and Candy Sales.” And the Licensed Merchandise section covers the interesting world of sports museum stores.

I hope you enjoy these articles and the others in the issue, along with the latest industry and product news. Please contact me with your comments, questions, and suggestions by calling 610-645-6940, emailing editorsgnmag@kanec.com, or by visiting the magazine on Facebook.

Scott C. Borowsky President and Executive Editor Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties magazine

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Kellytoy Teams Up with California High School to Provide Squishmallows® for Students

Kellytoy, a subsidiary of Jazwares, LLC, has contributed nearly 100 of its best-selling “chonky” Squishmallows to Silverado High School in Mission Viejo, Calif., to help support school efforts such as its Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program. Kellytoy will officially kick off a formal partnership with Silverado when the school year resumes this fall.

“We are thrilled that Kellytoy has donated so many Squishmallows to our school,” said Assistant Principal Cindy Garamoni. “Our students absolutely love Squishmallows. Plus, our teachers utilize the huggable plush toys as a social-emotional support. Squishmallows have been placed in all classrooms and other areas of the school. They have brought tremendous joy to our students. Additionally, they are the most popular award in the PBIS store.”

Squishmallows are popular among students at Mission Viejo, Calif.’s, Silverado High School.

Photos by Robyn Alvillar

“We’re delighted to be able to help the Silverado students by donating members of various Squishmallows squads to the school,” said Kellytoy CoPresident Jonathan Kelly. “Members of the online Squishmallows community regularly mention how helpful the mallows can be for emotional support, sensory issues or those who are stressed or suffering from anxiety.” ❖

*Noted: The Greeting Card Expo, Will Be Held Virtually May 20 and 21, 2021

*Noted: The Greeting Card Expo, is a virtual event designed with greeting card makers in mind, according to the website of the Greeting Card Association in Aurora, Colo. This event has been built by the greeting card industry, for the greeting card industry. Exhibiting in Virtual Noted is easy and affordable, with packages that allow vendors to build an online presence that suits the needs of retailers.

Virtual Noted gives you an online space to highlight your products, connect with buyers, network, track leads, and even chat in real-time. Plus, get inspired by engaging speakers, learn from fellow members’ “Meet Your Maker” videos, participate in a Pitch Program, enter your newest creations in Noted@*Noted, and more.

According to the website, a passionate, creative, strong greeting card community is the backbone of this unique show. Be a part of *Noted!

(For more information, visit www.greetingcard.org.) ❖