Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE RETAILERS

SIMPLE

BUILDING A VISION BOARD

AND ENDLESSLY STYLISH ESSENTIALS FOR THE KITCHEN AND TABLE

STYLING ENTRY TABLES SOURCING DO-GOOD PRODUCTS

Bon Appetit!

Returns to Hand Cookie Cutter Create your own gestures

White Bottle String Light Turn any bottle into a light

Hippo Bottle Opener Made of cast iron

Cork Globe Pinpoint your travels right on the globe

Cat Nail Files A two sided nail file in the shape of a cat

Flashing Bottle Topper A bright & bubbly drink decoration

Stag Kitchen Tidy Turn wooden spoons & spatulas into antlers

Flashing Cake Topper Retro neon sign creates dazzling cake

Colour Changing Umbrella Brighten up bad weather

Cocktail Party Cups Bring a fresh twist to the party

Space Shuttle Stationery Pencils, multi-pen, giant eraser & ruler

contents

inStore VOL. 04/NO. 03

THIS ISSUE

Spring 2018

inForm

27 inStock

inStyle

DEPARTMENT

17 News & Notes New lines, launches, industry goings-on and upcoming trade shows

inSight

60 CanGift Connects A Season of Renewel

DEPARTMENT

DEPARTMENT

FEATURE

9 Jet Setters Travel essentials for savvy jet setters

7 Hello!

Spring Forward

20 Canadian Cottage

59 Business Vision Creating a vision is the second key block to building a sustainable business

10 Beach Bound Flirty travel accessories for a beach get-away

By Leslie Groves

12 Home Grown Talent Bright and bold Canadian-made goods

32 First Impressions

Using entrance tables to introduce customers to your store’s brand

14 True North Traditional Canadiana FEATURE

By Andrea Hein

27 Bon Appetit!

Sleek styles for the kitchen and table

FEATURE

48 Fall for Fashion

37 Right At Home

The hottest fashion trends

An all season display that celebrates the Canadian cottage lifestyle

Key home dĂŠcor trends

53 Seasonal Sneak Peek

42 Sourcing Do-Good Products How to find ethical and sustainable products your customers will love

By Sarah Jean Harrison

Top products for the 2018 holiday season www.instoremagazine.ca

inStore. Spring 2018

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inSpire. inForm

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE RETAILERS

Attention Retailers

Editor & Publisher Erica Kirkland ekirkland@instoremagazine.ca Design & Layout JM Design Contributing Editors Barbara Crowhurst, Leslie Groves Advertising Inquiries advertising@instoremagazine.ca Editorial Submissions editorial@instoremagazine.ca Mailing Address 103 Niska Drive Waterdown, ON L8B 0M8 Contibutors Barbara Crowhurst, Will Fournier, Leslie Groves, Sarah Jean Harrison, Andrea Hein, Anita Schachter, Castlerock Studios

There are successful; very successful retailers all around.

LET’S GET YOU ON THAT LIST!

Seeking a customized retail training program?

Specifically designed to help you achieve results that last Easily fits into your budget

Your Business + Your Goals + Our passion

by Barbara Crowhurst 905-686-8898 retailmakeoverca@gmail.com www.retailmakeover.ca

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2018

2016-07-03 6:17 PM

InStore is published four times a year for independent retailers in Canada selling giftware, home décor, fashion accessories and lifestyle items. The magazine is mailed to 12,000 stores including gift, home décor, hardware, pharmacy and florists. © 2018 InStore Magazine. The contents of this publication are the property of InStore. Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part, for any reason, is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the copyright owner.

The publisher is not responsible for product claims made by the companies mentioned herein.

Printed in Canada Publication mail #40841587. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: InStore Magazine, 103 Niska Drive, Waterdown ON L8B 0M8.

Email editorial@instoremagazine.ca

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inSight

my fav...

Hello

Spring Forward

There are so many terrific articles in this issue.

Barbara Crowhurst’s piece on creating a vision board for your store is really inspiring (page 59) as is Andrea Hein’s step-by-step guide to designing stunning entry table displays (page 32). Sarah Jean Harrison’s piece on Sourcing Do-Good Products really struck a cord with me. The article is informative and well-written, delivering a concise, how-to for retailers interested in adding Fairtrade, eco-friendly and socially conscious products to their merchandise mix (page 42).

Hopefully by the time you read this, spring will have actually sprung in Canada.

The piles of slushy, muddy snow will have melted to reveal the first few shoots of green grass. The warmer weather will encourage some of us to spring clean while the Victoria Day (May 24) weekend will have us conjuring up fresh ideas for our gardens and outdoor living spaces, spurred on by the sales at garden centres.

Spring is truly a season of renewal. The weather, our surroundings and even our wardrobes change, so why not make some changes in your business as well? A great way to visualize your goals is to create a vision board. Like a dream board or an inspiration board, a vision board is a place for you to collect the pictures and words that best represent the dreams and ambitions you have for your store. In her column on page 59, our resident retail expert and business coach, Barbara Crowhurst, reveals how vision boards are a key block to building a sustainable business.

On a smaller-scale, renewed displays are an ideal way to update your space for the season. In this issue we welcome a new contributor, merchandising expert Andrea Hein. In her first piece for the magazine she delves into the topic of entry table displays with a step-by-step guide to creating fabulous ones.

Along with new contributors, this issue features the work of my long-time collaborators Leslie Groves and Will Fournier who have once again worked their magic, creating stunning images for our various product features. Their work always inspires me, and I hope you’re encouraged to make some positive changes for yourself and your business after reading this issue. Cheers to new beginnings!

in this issue While traditional red and white Canadianthemed goods are proven sellers, I really like the selection of bright and bold Canadianmade products we selected for What We’re www.instoremagazine.ca

Loving (page 12). There are so many talented Canadian artisans offering beautiful and affordable products, and we’re delighted to be able to show you their work.

One of the newest trends in home entertaining that I’m absolutely loving is infused cocktail sets. There are some great lines on offer from both David Youngson & Associates and The Tate Group which I encourage you to check out.

In the home décor category, I find myself falling more in love every day with the charming collections from

Indaba Trading. This season I adore their dreamy and understated, elegant velvet cushions.

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E T A T

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inStock

Jet Setters

What We’re Loving

Travel essentials for savvy jet setters

2 1

1/ Enamel pin, from $9.99 retail, Peter Pauper Press through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 2/ Travel toothbrushes, $4.99 retail for four, Canadian Gift Concept, 866-411-1043, www.cgconline.ca 3/ Mini alarm clock, $19 retail, Kikkerland through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

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4/ Oh So Pretty nail clippers, $6.99 retail, Canadian Gift Concept, 866-411-1043, www.cgconline.ca 5/ Compact emergency kits, $11 retail, Kikkerland through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

5

6/ City Guides, $24 retail, Moleskine through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 7/ Toronto luggage tag, $12 retail, Teroforma through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

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8/ USB Bracelet, Italgem, 514-388-5777, www.italgemsteel.com

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www.instoremagazine.ca

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Beach Bound

inStock What We’re Loving

Fabulous, flirty essentials for a beach get-away!

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1/ Pouch, $9 retail, Quotable through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

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2/ Bag, $12.99 retail, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com

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3/ Cotton tank top, Baba Imports, 647-389-4503, www.babaimports.com 4/ Wine traveller, $29.99 retail, Wild Eye Designs, 800-824-0496, www.wildeyedesigns.com 5/ Sequin clutch, $32 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com 6/ Hat, $26.99, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com

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Register now to attend the most anticipated gift fair of the season

August 12 - 15, 2018 The International Centre & Toronto Congress Centre

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inStock What We’re Loving

2

True North

Enduring Canadian-made goods which consistently sell through

1

1/ Fur-trimmed deerskin mittens, $83 retail, Hides in Hand, 519-856-4505, www.hidesinhand.com

3

2/ Cushion, $40 retail, Small World Home, www.smallworld-home.com 3/ Timber Bit cedar blocks, $11 retail, Cedar Mountain Studios through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 4/ Rusted metal magnet, $3.95 retail, Bear Hill Studio, 800-667-5404, www.bearhillstudio.ca 5/ Mini art blocks, $27 retail, Cedar Mountain Studios through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

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waltonwoodfarm.com Toll Free: 1-844-834-FARM orders@waltonwoodfarm.com @waltonwoodfarm

inStock What We’re Loving 2

Home Grown Talent

Canadian-made goods in bright, bold colours

1

1/ Dream catcher with semi-precious stones, $32.99 retail, Monague Native Crafts, 800-663-7713, www.monague.com 2/ Deerskin moccasins, $83 retail, Hides in Hand, 519-856-4505, www.hidesinhand.com

3

3/ Wall art, Susan Robertson Pottery, 306-867-8011, www.srobertsonpottery.com 4/ Dream catcher earrings, $11.99 retail, Monague Native Crafts, 800-663-7713, www.monague.com 5/ Cherrywood serving board, $83 retail, Burnish & Brush Studio, www.burnishandbrush.com

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www.instoremagazine.ca

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inForm News & Notes

News & Notes THE GOODS

Show Calendar Buy Good, Feel Good Expo May 11, 2018 www.buygoodfeelgood.com Las Vegas Market July 28 – August 2, 2018 www.lasvegasmarket.com Mode Accessories Show August 12 – 14, 2018 www.mode-accessories.com Toronto Gift Fair August 12 –15, 2018 www.torontogiftfair.org NY Now August 12 – 15, 2018 www.nynow.com

Advent Calendars Aren’t Just for Kids!

Shaped like a dog house, the Dog Treat Advent Calendar from Falvia Creation includes one treat-dispensing toy and 23 organic dog treats. It retails for $39.95. The Fly Fishing Advent Calendar looks like a fishing lure box and includes a waterproof fly box and 23 lures. It retails for $69. The calendars are distributed by Old Country Designs, 888-212-2110, www.oldcountrydesign.com

Alberta Gift Fair August 26 – 29, 2018 www.albertagiftfair.org Vancouver Gift Expo September 16 – 17, 2018 www.vancouvergiftexpo.com

CORRECTION!

Perfume Your Soul This new collection from Barefoot Venus includes 400-gram Mineral & Detox Soaks made from Himalayan pink sea salts. Available in four fragrances – Lemon Freckle, Pink Pepper, Lavender Smoke and Black Coconut, the units retail for $25 each. 888-490-1756, www.barefootvenus.com

In the Winter 2018 issue of InStore, the company which carries the bag pictured here was spelled incorrectly.

The company’s name and contact information should have been listed as Licence 71195, 905-604-1732, www.licence71195.ca

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From beach blankets to fireside wraps,

THE GOODS

Throws for all seasons

because

Charming Scents Customers can now accessorize and scent their car with Yankee Candle’s new Charming Scents collections. The starter kits include a bangle, locket and charm retailing for $12.99 while the scent refills retail for $6.99. A variety of themed kits and scents are available.

David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

Lifestyle Matters

TM

Home & Garden Division of Christmas Tradition

ct-lifestyle.com 1-800-561-5515

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Advent Calendar Kits Progress Luv2Pak is introducing a variety of do-it-yourself advent calendars for the 2018 holiday season. Among the items on offer are the Advent Box with 24 drawers and Magnetic Gift Boxes designed to hold six and 12 mini tins. The airtight tins feature twist tops and windows. They’re also food-grade and fit in both the Advent Box and magnetic boxes.

888-588-2725, www.progressluv2pak.com

inSpire. inForm. inStore.

THE GOODS 2

1

Trendspotting

The “crazy cat lady� was once a moniker people shied away from, but today’s consumer, particularly millennials, are embracing the crazy cat lady persona, leading to an increased demand for products shaped like cats and patterned with cats.

3

1/ Kikkerland’s Cat Lovers Gift Set includes five magnets, a pen, playing cards, match box and mini emery boards, $37.50 retail, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 2/ Now Designs’ Peko Cat Tea for Me Set is made from durable stoneware and includes a removable lid that serves as a cup when turns upside down. $28 retail, 888-632-6422, www.danicaimports.com 3/ Kikkerland’s Purrfect Pair Nail Clippers, $12 retail, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

4

4/ Now Design’s Purrfect Pinch Bowls can be used for separating out small ingredients and stacked for easy storage. $22 retail, 888-632-6422, www.danicaimports.com

www.instoremagazine.ca

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An all-season display that celebrates the Canadian cottage lifestyle

Canadian Cottage 20

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Products Over Props Place your merchandise front and centre, not your props. The sleighs we used reinforce the Canadian cottage theme, but they don’t overpower the display. In fact, they’re integral to it. The sleigh on the floor shows off some pillows and decorative oars while the sleigh on the table adds verticality to the vignette while also acting as a backdrop for the decorative buoys and a place to perch a sign.

Lifestyle on Display Retail is a revolving door of merchandise. If your store stays true to each season, this can often mean a loss in revenue for seasonal items that haven’t sold through at full price. Here, we illustrate how to transition merchandise between seasons with a grouping of items that celebrates a lifestyle – cottage living. Using a variety of decorative accents and tabletop, the display incorporates both winter (sleighs, mugs) and summer (buoys, oars) items to embody an all-season cottage lifestyle.

Off The Wall Look for alternative ways to showcase wall art.

Incorporate it into displays by using an easel on a tabletop or hang signs on other products in the display to add dimension and intriguing layers.

Styling and text by Leslie Groves Photography by Will Fournier

www.instoremagazine.ca

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Off Kilter Layering product and displaying it at various levels and angles helps to engage shoppers. Too often stores use shelves to perfectly line up merchandise, but staging product in an imperfect state connects shoppers to everyday life.

Green Light Shoppers relate to natural elements in displays.

Greenery, branches, floral, sand and stones all connect with customers. Keep a supply of natural elements on hand to fill in empty spaces and lighten up product-heavy displays.

Bottoms Up! Packaged sets of mugs and napkins make for great hostess gifts. Make sure you unwrap a few so clients can pick them up and feel their individual weight, how they fit in their hands and the texture. Too many stores don’t encourage customers to touch and feel the product but touching and feeling is an integral part of the shopping experience.

Buoys, signs, oars, mugs, plates, trays, spreaders, Abbott, 800-263-2955, www.abbottcollection.com

Sleighs, faux red knit pillows, Candym Enterprises, 800-263-3551, www.candym.com

Buffalo check pillows and napkins, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

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! e t a d e h t e v a S Register now to attend Western Canada’s Premier Trading Platform for Buyers & Sellers in the Gift, Home & Accessories Market.

August 26 -29, 2018 Edmonton Expo Centre

where consumer trends begin A L B E R TA G I F T FA I R . O R G

Protect your nails with Dig It®s Innovative Industrial Design Patent providing pillow-top protectionTM inside fingertips blocks dirt & helps prevent breakage.

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Arabesque® by QMT Windchimes® will take your breath away. Built upon the best-selling Corinthian Bells®, Arabesque® are magnificent.

We’ve taken everything that makes Corinthian Bells® the best, and added more, with engraved tubes, textured finishes, gem like colors, and a high performance wind sail.

New in 2018 Corinthian Bells®, our flagship brand for over a decade, are now available in our popular Plum color.

Lakeshore Melodies , our newest brand, joins the QMT family, featuring exquisite woodwork, and musical upgrades usually reserved for all-metal chimes.

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QMT WINDCHIMES 800-345-2530 www.qmtwindchimes.com sales@qmtwindchimes.com

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inStore. Spring 2018

2018-03-25 9:44 AM

Are trade shows an integral element of your sales strategy?

Does every buyer at every show stop by your booth?

What if you could increase the likelihood that they did?

Before trade shows, store owners will be researching the hottest products in InStore’s Summer 2018 issue.

If you advertise, 12,000 retailers will see your ad and be more likely to stop by your trade show booth.

Lead the way to your booth!

BOOKING DEADLINE: June 15, 2018 MAIL DATE: July 17, 2018 CONTACT: Erica Kirkland, Publisher & Editor ekirkland@instoremagazine.ca 905-690-0492

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www.instoremagazine.ca

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ALKEMISTA

FROM GARDEN TO GLASS An all-in-one, single bottle alcohol infusion vessel

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IN

M E L B O U R N E.

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Styled by Leslie Groves

The sleekest styles for the kitchen and table

Photographed by Will Fournier

Bon Appetit!

www.instoremagazine.ca

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Straight U 1/ Popcorn bowl, $30 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

2

2/ Measuring spoons, $20 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com

1

3/ Salt Spring Kitchen Co. marmalades and jams, $10 to $12 retail each, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 4/ Turkish hand towel, from $15 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com 5/ Kikkerland mini easel placecards, $19 retail for six, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 6/ Mud Pie peppermill, $28 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

6 5

7/ Teroforma infused cocktail set, $85 retail, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 8/ Maxwell & Williams pewter salad servers, $44.95 retail, 800-263-3551, www.candym.com 9/ Grillmat, $26.99 retail, Premier Gift, 800-387-1282, www.premier-gift.com 10/ Salad servers, $23.99 retail, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com 11/ Dip chiller, $30.99 retail, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com

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12/ Memobottle, $44.99 retail, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

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p Style

Simple and endlessly stylish essentials for the kitchen and table

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Cheer p!

1

Gleeful colours and a cheeky charm add a bounce to the step of this kitchenware and tabletop selection

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2

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1/ Insulated wine tumbler, $20 retail, Abbott, 800-263-2955, www.abbottcollection.com

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2/ Jubilee runner, $44 retail, April Cornell, 877-662-7745, wholesale.aprilcornell.ca 3/ Bar tools, $19.99 each, Wild Eye Designs, 800-824-0496, www.wildeyedesigns.com

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4/ Tealish pineapple tea infuser, $9.95 retail, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 5/ Double-wall drink tumblers, $39.99 retail for two, Fox Run Brands, 800-383-0122, www.foxrunbrands.com 6/ Pampa Bay salad bowl, $145 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

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7/ Tealish Spa Day tea blend, $15.95 retail, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 8/ Tealish tea infuser, $9.95 retail, David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 9/ Mud Pie platter, $59.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca 10/ Portable wine carrier with two glasses, $39.99 retail, Wild Eye Designs, 800-824-0496, www.wildeyedesigns.com 11/ Cactus cup, $6 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com

www.instoremagazine.ca

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Accents for Living in Oakville, Ont.

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First Impressions Introducing customers to your store’s brand via an entrance table is a winning merchandising strategy

By Andrea Hein

R

etail guru Paco Underhill, author of the bestseller Why We Buy, touts the importance of a decompression zone in a retail store’s entry. He maintains that shoppers don’t pay attention to anything displayed in the first few feet of a store, and that they need room to breath.

Introducing clients to your store’s brand via an entrance table is an ideal way to provide that breathing room Underhill promotes. With a low profile, entrance tables give customers a quick snapshot of your store’s style without obstructing their view of the entire space.

Some merchandising textbooks refer to entrance tables as the most important fixture in the retail world. They’re versatile, welcoming and shoppable, not to mention easy to refresh.

8 STEPS TO CREATING A COMPELLING ENTRANCE TABLE DISPLAY Step 1: Tell A Story What message do you want the display to convey? Whatever the message, each step in the display-making process must be reflective of this story or theme because a clear, concise message increases the odds customers will purchase more than one item from the display.

Step 2: Select Products Carefully curate the merchandise based on end use. For instance, a Christmas-themed table in a kitchenware store could include coordinated tableware, baking essentials and kitchenware, items that are used, generally, for the same purse (cooking, baking and setting a table).

Adding an ugly Christmas sweater to the mix just because it’s a Christmas product, would muddy the message. www.instoremagazine.ca

Step 3: Choose Interesting Fixtures Crates, vases, buckets, suitcases, baskets and other found objects add interest and can lend a hand in reinforcing the story. For example, select a tin wash bin to display bath products or a large measuring bowl to show off a new line of spatulas.

Step 4: Add Props Have fun and get creative with props.

Add energy to a display of beach towels with the addition of a beach ball or small beach chair. Just make sure that the prop is quite obviously a prop. Items mistaken for merchandise can lead to irate customers.

Step 5: Appealing Arrangements Once the theme, product, fixtures and props have been selected, the next step is to create visually appealing arrangements. Start by

creating levels. Nothing is more boring than a table full of product at the same level. Get creative when it comes to risers. Try using stacks of books, small bookshelves and smaller tables.

Step 6: Signage Clear, concise and easy-to-interpret signage eliminates the need for immediate customer assistance.

An entertaining sign such as “May Your Days Be Merry and Bright” for a Christmas display is a great way to reinforce a theme. Avoid handwritten signage unless you’re a calligraphy expert. Although quick and inexpensive, handwritten signs look unprofessional. They visually decrease the value of goods on display. Giving customers any reason to doubt a brand’s identity at the point of purchase is the last thing you want to do. inStore. Spring 2018

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Soap and Water Everyday in Oakville, Ont.

Step 7: Pricing The likelihood of making a sale severely decreases when a customer needs to ask a sales associate for a price. When all items are clearly marked with prices and promos, it makes the customer’s shopping experience easier, allowing them to make decisions quicker and independently. Stores often make the mistake of signing a vessel that’s holding similar items, assuming this will be enough. But what happens when someone buys the vessel or if one of the items gets displaced? Pricing every item eliminates this issue.

8. Observe Take on the role of Paco Underhill and watch how your customers respond and react to your display. What products are they picking up and which items don’t seem to grab their attention? Do they connect with the theme of the display right away?

Has anything made them smile or grimace?

Paying attention to how your customers navigate through your displays and your store will help you make your displays more effective. www.instoremagazine.ca

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inStore. Spring 2018

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Right at

home

Moody Hues and Global Influences are two key trends to follow

Styled by Leslie Groves Photographed by Will Fournier

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Moody Hues

Rich jewel tones mixed with luxurious textures equals upscale elegance

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1/ Cushion cover, $25 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

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2/ Blommingville vase, $30 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca 3/ Carpet, $88 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com

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4/ Fringed alpaca throw, from $60 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com 5/ Hammered metal bowl, $20 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com 6/ Velvet cushion, $59 retail, April Cornell, 877-662-7745, wholesale.aprilcornell.ca 7/ Alpaca throw, from $60 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com

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8/ K&K Interiors vase, $36 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca 9/ Velvet cushion, $50 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com

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10/ Velvet throw, $179 retail, April Cornell, 877-662-7745, wholesale.aprilcornell.ca

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Your source for rustic early Canadian furniture and functional accent pieces. Over 125 handcrafted pieces, from cabinets to benches, mirrors to storage units and beyond.

Proudly Made in Canada

1-888-294-6297

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SpringwaterWoodcraft.com

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Global Influences

Rich colours, intricate patterns and hand-worked details imbue an ethnic nuance 1/ Carpet, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com

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2/ Cushion, $60 retail, Small World Home, www.smallworld-home.com

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3/ Basket, $35 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com 4/ Cushion, $55 retail, Small World Home, www.smallworld-home.com 5/ Cushion, $55 retail, Small World Home, www.smallworld-home.com 6/ Doormat, $16 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com

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On the horizon awaits our spectacular collection of furnishings and alluring objects for every home and lifestyle.

July 29 - August 2, 2018 Register now at LasVegasMarket.com

Furniture | Decorative Accessories | Home Textiles | Outdoor | Fashion Accessories | Bedding Seasonal | Tabletop | Housewares | Handmade | Antiques | Gift

Sourcing Do-G

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ood Products How to find ethical and sustainable products your customers will love

By Sarah Jean Harrison

F

or years ethical and sustainable products occupied the fringes of the retail world. Today, these products are becoming increasingly mainstream as consumer demand for “do-good” products continues to grow.

A “do-good” product is a catch-all term for items that do something good for the world. From B Corp to fairtrade-certified brands, there are many designations and certifications outlining a product’s specific benefit and impact. Regardless of the designation or impact, the key factor for a do-good product is authenticity. Consumers are looking for brands and products that are authentically building social and environmental benefit into the framework of their business.

Consumer research is pointing to a growing demand for do-good products, and the savviness of consumers is mounting. A 2017 Corporate Responsibility Survey conducted by CONE Communications investigated consumer perspectives and habits around ethical and sustainable products and reported that 87 per cent of consumers buy based on their values. The research also confirmed that authenticity is paramount. Consumers are looking for brands that are honest. In fact, 88 per cent of consumers will stop buying a product if they learn of a company’s irresponsible or deceptive business practices and 76 per cent will boycott a brand based on values.

The highly coveted millennials, full of upward mobility and increasing disposable income, not only purchase products with social or environmental impacts (68 per cent) but a hefty 76 per cent will research the authenticity of a brand’s claim.

For retailers who aren’t steeped in the world of ethical products, and who don’t have time to vet every brand, entering the do-good space can be challenging. Since conventional sourcing channels often result in finding conventional products, finding the best do-good products requires an alternative approach.

THREE RESOURCES FOR SOURCING DO-GOOD PRODUCTS

Instagram: This is where the newest, youngest and coolest brands start to build their public profile, which means it’s a great place for trend spotting.

Tap into your community of consumers and influencers – the people that

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understand your shop’s aesthetic and your product range. Once you’ve keyed into your core audience, spotting emerging trends and anticipating product demand becomes easy. Some retailers plan purchasing based on key influencers in their space, anticipating what customers will request based on the products influencers are recommending.

Targeted Trade Shows: A quicker way to find products is to attend highly targeted marketplaces and trade shows including the Buy Good, Feel Good Expo. Visiting shows that vet vendors for their adherence to do-good philosophies saves you research time.

Brand-Sponsored Events: Whatever form of social and environmental good being promoted, a brand must educate the public around their efforts.

The result is many brand-hosted educational events. As a retailer, attending these events has a two-fold benefit: You become informed and you increase your exposure to new brands and products. Panel discussions, film screenings, workshops and meet-ups are all fertile ground for discovering new products and brands. Attending will also help you get a sense of a brand’s dynamism, organizational capacities and relevance to your audience. There’s nothing like watching a brand’s event to give you a sense of whether they are worth your efforts.

Bonus tip: Pay attention to the agencies that do certifications.

Choose the certifying body most relevant to the type of dogood product you’re interested in and then subscribe to their newsletters and social media feeds. These organizations are always speaking with newcomers to the marketplace and are on top of the latest products.

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DO-GOOD DESIGNATIONS

FAIRTRADE: An international third-party certifying body with regional chapters around the world. Fairtrade focuses on products from the Global South and guarantees that social, economic and environmental standards have been met for the product. www.fairtrade.ca

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE: A designation awarded to non-profit and

for-profit businesses which are structured around blended returns with equal significance given to achieving positive social and/or environmental impacts and generating a profit.

B CORP: For-profit companies that have met the standards of B Lab, a certifying body that assesses a business according to their social, environmental, accountability and transparency performance. www.bcorporation.net Sarah Jean Harrison is the co-founder of Peace Flag House, a boutique creative agency specializing in authentic communication strategies for the sustainability sector. www.peaceflaghouse.com

Focused and vetted tradeshows and marketplaces like the Buy Good, Feel Good Expo are ideal for quickly connecting with brands and finding unique do-good products.

B Corp and Fairtrade are two popular certifications for do-good products.

Canadian brand Tenfed Clothing Co. has a powerful Instagram feed (@tenfedproject) and provides 10 meals to hungry children around the world for every item sold. inSpire. inForm. inStore.

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The magazine Canadian retailers turn to for advice, insight, products and new suppliers.

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HAPPY INSTORE MAG 1/4 AD.SPRING.18.qxp_Layout 1 2018-02-26 8:52 AM Page 1

Happy is a

Bath Bomb!

Whimsical FUN fridge magnets, each carefully handpainted by our eachanoriginal artisans, make wonderfully unique gifts for all ages.

Bath Bombs for a Happy Bath! to make you Happy!

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Use this promo code HHISMS2018 and receive 15% off New Wholesale Accounts.

Natural, hand-crafted bath products made locally by moms!

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FREE!

New Merchandising Webinars!

Whether you join us from the convenience of your store, office or home, don’t miss the chance to learn from merchandising expert Natalie Tan this spring.

Refresh, Revive and Rejuvenate Your Store!

Thursday, April 26, 2 – 3 p.m.

Get Ready for Summer!

Tuesday, May 8, 2 – 3 p.m.

Register today at: cangift.org/retailresourcecentre

cangift.org

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• Toys made of natural materials, especially wooden toys • Children’s products that are made in a sustainable way • Toys that are made by companies operating in a socially responsible manner

VISIT US

TORONTO GIFT FAIR, HALL 10, BOOTH #10213

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PHONE: 905-910-1558 WWW.ECOPARADE.COM

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FASHION Weekend Collection

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Understated, yet entirely fashionable pieces perfect for weekend living

1/ Distressed leather satchel, $85.60 retail, Ganz, 800-263-2311, www.ganz.com 2/ Wrap bracelet, $29.99 retail, Premier Gift, 800-387-1282, www.premier-gift.com

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3/ Knitted ivory poncho, $50 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

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4/ Charlie Bravo quilted black bag, $25 retail, Cabrelli Group, 800-784-4750, www.cabrelli.ca 5/ Recycled-fabric necklace, $35.99 retail, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com 6/ Alpaca socks, from $24 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com 7/ Reindeer earrings, $38 retail, FAB Accessories through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

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8/ Jack & Missy Uptown scarf, $19.99 retail, Canadian Gift Concept, 866-411-1043, www.cgconline.ca 9/ Handbag (that doubles as a lunch bag), $39.99 retail, Wild Eye Designs, 800-824-0496, www.wildeyedesigns.com

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10/ Stainless steel message bangles, $24.95 retail, Axicon World Imports, 800-465-5587, www.axiconworld.com 11/ Convertible tote/hand bag, $29.99 retail, World Folk Art, 800-567-2670, www.worldfolkart.com

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12/ Scarf wrap, $39 retail, Premier Gift, 800-387-1282, www.premier-gift.com

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for FALL

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FASHION for FALL 1

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Out on the Town

An upscale collection of glitzy and glamourous items perfect for a night out on the town 1/ Tunic, $79.99 retail, Premier Gift, 800-387-1282, www.premier-gift.com

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2/ C & Co. rollerbrief, $140 retail, Cabrelli Group, 800-784-4750, www.cabrelli.ca 3/ Necklace with fringed pendant, $15 retail, Abbott, 800-263-2955, www.abbottcollection.com 4/ Crossbody bag, $29.99 retail, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com 5/ Crystal choker, $46 retail, Lover’s Tempo through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 6/ Velvet clutch, $20 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

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7/ Twill jacket with lace sleeves, $86.40 retail, Ganz, 800-263-2311, www.ganz.com

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“Where Buyer’s find what they’re looking for, browse a bit...discover more.”

Republic Of Retail is celebrating its 3rd year as the industry’s only on-line trade resource of its kind, showcasing hundreds of New and Best-selling Giftware, Home, Lifestyle and Specialty products from quality Canadian and Canada-friendly Suppliers...all in one place.

Free for Retailers to Join and Enjoy: • • • • • • • • •

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inStore. Spring 2018

Well-organized & Curated Visual Search Results Time-Saver Search by Categories of Interest New Product & Promotional E-alerts Exclusives Trade Show Specials Previews “Fresh Pic(k)s” Monthly Viewsletter “Discovery Discounts” Buyer’s Bureau - Sourcing Hotline Direct Web Links to Suppliers

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Seasonal

Sneak Peak

Styled by Leslie Groves Photographed by Will Fournier

www.instoremagazine.ca

t s e t t o h e h 18 t o t n e 20 i e s p for th on m i l A g rends y seas t olida h inStore. Spring 2018

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Seasonal 1

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Sneak Peek Campy

Pick-up trucks, travel trailers and wildlife motifs are all the rage 1/ Ornament, $9 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com 2/ Decorative VW bus, $60 retail, Abbott, 800-263-2955, www.abbottcollection.com

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3/ Vermont Village runner, $42 retail, April Cornell, 877-662-7745, wholesale.aprilcornell.ca 4/ Decorative nesting boxes, $69.99 retail for three, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com

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5/ Winter Cottage holiday cards, Peter Pauper Press through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com 6/ Nutcracker Designs ornament, $15 retail, Candym Enterprises, 800-263-3551, www.candym.com 7/ Ornament, $17 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com 8/ Cushion, $28 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com

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9/ Cushion, $57 retail, Small World Home, www.smallworld-home.com

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10/ Cushion, $57 retail, Small World Home, www.smallworld-home.com 11/ Sign, $34.99 retail, Edenborough, 800-265-6398, www.edenborough.com

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Too Cute

Adorable creatures and critters make for an irresistible collection

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1/ Now Designs mug, $11 retail, Danica Imports, 888-632-6422, www.danicaimports.com 2/ Vinyl placemat, $6 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

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3/ Ornament, $8 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com 4/ Oven mitt and tea towel set, $19 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

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5/ TAG soap pump, $20 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca 6/ Now Designs stocking, $30 retail, Danica Imports, 888-632-6422, www.danicaimports.com 7/ Now Designs trivet, $12 retail, Danica Imports, 888-632-6422, www.danicaimports.com 8/ Happy Hedgehog holiday cards, Peter Pauper Press through David Youngson & Associates, 800-370-4857, www.youngson.com

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Elegant Woodland

Sophisticated and elegant colours and styles are perfect for an upmarket clientele

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1/ K&K Interiors pillow, $39 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca 2/ Mug, $9 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com 3/ Polyresin reindeer, from $16 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

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4/ Table runner, $20 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com 5/ K&K Interiors linen hand towels, $17.50 retail for two, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca 6/ TAG dishtowel set, $33.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca 7/ Placemat, $8 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com

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8/ Wreath, Winward Silks of Canada, 888-946-9273, www.winwardcanada.com 9/ Wreath, Winward Silks of Canada, 888-946-9273, www.winwardcanada.com

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ISA OF CANADA 905-824-4473 (Phone) 1-877-299-7323 (Toll Free) www.beside-u.ca info@isaofcanada.com

Whimsical FUN fridge magnets, each carefully handpainted by our eachanoriginal artisans, make wonderfully unique gifts for all ages.

We invite you to visit our website to view the complete product range.

www.eachanoriginal.com 58

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1-800-490-9445 inSpire. inForm. inStore.

Barbara Crowhurst

Business Vision

C

reating a vision for your business is the second key block to building a sustainable business. (The first block – Numbers – was covered in the Winter 2018 issue and delved into various operational reports and sales targets.)

Creating a Vision Board

What is your vision for your business? Think in terms of growth, values, contributions to society, employees, etc. Make a list of the words that come to mind, the ones that trigger emotions.

This exercise brings your vision for your business to life.

Remember dream boards? They were popular years ago. A lot of people connect more strongly with images. If you’re one of those people, a vision board, rather than a vision statement, can be a powerful representation of how you see your business in the next several years.

You can create a vision board online or offline.

Pinterest is a great online tool while magazines are an ideal offline tool. Pull out pictures, words and headlines that strike you. Have your staff help you as well. Go through the images, phrases and words you selected, and pick your favourites. Put a picture of yourself somewhere prominently on the board.

When selecting images for your board, don’t be afraid to be passionate and emotional. Think freely, and consider the following: • What do you want your store to look like?

• How many employees will you have?

• Will you stay in your current location or relocate?

• Will you integrate your offline and online shopping experiences?

• How will you meet the needs and desires of current and future customers?

• How will you deliver the ultimate customer conveniences? www.instoremagazine.ca

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Creating a vision board, rather than a vision statement, will help you visualize the goals you have for your business.

Some of the specific ways these goals can be reached may involve the following: • Committing to and developing an on-line store • Voice shopping • Investing in a mobile-friendly website • Offering delivery services • Ramping up social media marketing • Upgrading or adding a POS system • Accepting wireless payments and emailing receipts • Investing in property rather than renting • Investing in a well-trained staff This exercise will help you visualize your goals, bringing them one step closer to reality.

Barbara Crowhurst is a business coach and store who works with clients around the world. www.retailmakeover.com inStore. Spring 2018

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inForm CanGift Connects

A Season of Renewal Success depends on adaptability

W

e hope you enjoyed the Spring 2018 cycle of CanGift shows and were successful in sourcing new products for your store.

Retailers at the Toronto Gift Fair were buoyant and positive, translating into strong buying and optimism for the year ahead. The Alberta Gift Fair’s success depends heavily on the Alberta economy, which finds itself gradually rebounding after two long recessionary years. This past February, western retailers appreciated the show to identify new products and education to help in their growth.

There is no doubt, though, that success relies on one’s ability to adapt.

There is no doubt, though, that success relies on one’s ability to adapt. Retail continues to transform itself and the association understands the need to reinvent and adjust its business model to help yours thrive.

You may have noticed the signs at the Spring 2018 Toronto Gift Fair announcing the consolidation of the show in August 2019. The show will come together under one roof, the Toronto Congress Centre, and will be redesigned and revitalized with you, the retailers, in mind. Our new name, the Toronto Gift and Home Market, represents a transition to a new direction, one which will showcase giftware in one building and home décor in another, both maximizing the North and South

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buildings of the Toronto Congress Centre.

In keeping with its sister show, the Alberta Gift Fair will also be rebranded and known as the Alberta Gift and Home Market as of the August 2019 show.

In the meantime, there is lots of business to be done and the association is invested in your success as we look forward to the spring selling season. Looking for a little inspiration now that the warmer weather is here? Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the upcoming webinars on April 26 and May 8, led

by Natalie Tan. If you haven’t yet registered, please visit www. cangift.org for further information.

Wishing you a successful spring cycle.

Submitted by CanGift President & CEO Anita Schachter on behalf of the association’s board of directors. For more information about the association, visit www.cangif.org.

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@KIKKERLAND