Resort Show Section

Great Goods for Giving (From page 102)

a small farming community. Not only is it a small farming community, [our customers] are very cautious with their money. We have to be very careful about what we keep in stock and what we charge. We do get some of the higher line toys in around the holidays because we get a lot of visitors coming through.” Painting said her customers are a mix of loyal locals and one-time visitors. Drinkwater said most of his customers are cost-conscious, as well: “We don’t go for the real high-end gifts. We’re not really a ‘gift’ store—we’re a 5 and 10. We try to carry as much U.S.-made and Maine-made merchandise as we can. People are cost-conscious because they think they’re coming into a 5 and 10 cent store; they’re not looking for high-end gifts.” Vidler said, “Across the board, I think we’re priced fairly. Someone will think our price point is expensive; others will see the same item and think, ‘this is a great price.’ We don’t compete on price—we don’t offer coupons or anything like that.”

At Seneca Variety in Seneca, Kan., Owner Dona Willmeth said most of the merchandise in her 10,000-square-foot store could be considered a gift. “We are a true variety store—my tagline is ‘everything and more’. One-third of my store is fabric and crafts; the remaining two-thirds is a combination of toys, gifts, office supplies, and seasonal items and décor. As far as gifts for children, toys do very well. I have the largest se - lection of Melissa and Doug toys in the region, I’ve been told that many times. We have other gifts—cars, trucks, dolls, crafting kits. Also games and so forth. These are all relatively affordable gifts for kids,” Willmeth said. “As far as gifts for adults, such as friendship gifts—I try very hard to keep my prices low enough and affordable enough. Inspirational-type gifts—signs are very popular; a wood block with a saying on it. In figurines, gnomes are still big right now.” She added, “I also have quite an extensive fabric department, and fabric can be a gift for a frequent quilter or sewer.” Willmeth said she strives to keep price in mind when choosing merchandise. “I try very hard to buy affordable things—things I know I would like. I use my own brain as a gauge; I try to keep prices as low as possible.”

Merchandising and placing items strategically, in visible locations and high-traffic areas, are two of the most effective ways get gift items in front of customers. Drinkwater has a selection of Balsam bags on the counter right inside his shop’s door; they make a strong first impression and have sold well. Painting prefers grouping. “Have [gifts] displayed properly, and together in statements,” she suggested. “Last year, one whole side of my store was gnomes. Have [items] together that vary in price—it made it conducive to selling last year. Put all the same things together to make a statement. We would have different items, but they all had a common motif or theme. Mix and match the products but use the same design.” She added, “Color and deco- ration [in a display] will catch customers’ eye. A lot depends on the season and what we have. I kind of like it when we have lighted things—they look better with a black backdrop behind them. On the shelves there may be a colorful garland, flowers, or some sort of decoration to make [the items] ‘pop.’ ” Vidler says merchandising is a major driver for selling gifts at their store, adding, “The young woman who manages the department basically has free reign—she has a bit of a younger eye when it comes to those things. We try to make things look inviting.”

Retailers select their inventory in different ways. “I choose some of my merchandise based on trends,” Willmeth said. “I try to keep up with them, within reason. My vendors know what’s trendy, but trends are cyclical. Gnomes have been really big for awhile, just as red trucks were. Then the gnomes will fizzle out and the next thing will come along.” Painting said price drives much of the merchandise she buys—“Cost is important. I have to figure out how much I’m going to sell it for—is it something my customers will pay for? I do have reps and they do make suggestions, although I don’t always go with what they suggest.” Drinkwater said due to their customer demographics, they are always seeking out new products. “We’re unique in that we have a lot of Airbnb and a big summer colony of people. We’re not like Bar Harbor who will get the people off the cruise ships and never see them again; we the store.

STOUGHTON, MA – Spoontiques, a 52 year old import and wholesale company is pleased to announce the introduction of our newest license – Peanuts Worldwide!

Among the top selling categories where the iconic Peanuts characters will be featured include drinkware, home décor, garden, and seasonal.