Winter 2026

WINTER 2026

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE RETAILERS

instoremagazine.ca

EVENT MARKETING 101 MARKDOWN MASTERY BETTER BOOKEEPING STRATEGIES

Budding Beauties

Business-boosting ideas to increase your profits alongside the hottest products to stock for spring and summer!

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contents

inStore

VOL. 12/NO.01

50

THIS ISSUE

Winter 2026

inSight

inForm

DEPARTMENTS

12 Hello!

A Season of Possibility 26 Shop Profile From fresh blooms to thoughtfully curated gifts, the blend of floral artistry and elevated merchandising that Maria Omobono weaves into her 3000-square-foot boutique makes it one of Quebec’s most enchanting retail destinations.

inStock DEPARTMENTS

42

14 Turning Over a New Leaf Freshen up your stationery and book offerings

inStyle

16 New Beginnings Refresh your fashion and jewellery departments with new lines for spring and summer

This season offers a bounty of fresh, floralinfused products for home and entertaining

FEATURE

42 Petal Power

18 Secret Garden Bath and body products awash in seasonal colours and floral prints FEATURE

50 Keep It Wild!

An assortment of products for babies and children bathed in neutral hues featuring evergreen nature and animal motifs 10

inStore. Winter 2026

Ceramic 4 x 6-inch picture frame

VIEW THIS ITEM ON PAGE 43

58 Retail Visions The warmer weather can bring new energy and higher foot traffic to your store. Our resident visual merchandising and branding expert Nickiesha Lewis outlines how to use the season to create engaging in-store experiences that attract shoppers and strengthen your brand.

FEATURE

54 Relationship Marketing

With artificial intelligence growing in popularity, good oldfashioned humanness is in short supply and this is where independent retailers shine. Learn how to create content that really connects with your customers and give yourself permission to reuse content that already resonated with your customers.

By Natlie Hammer Noblitt

DEPARTMENT

20 News & Notes New lines, launches and industry goings-on FEATURES

38 Build Loyalty With Events

As shoppers look for reasons to get out, explore and celebrate, events are one of the most powerful tools in a retailer’s playbook. Georganne Bender shares fresh ideas, planning strategies and proven ways to make your spring and summer events unforgettable in this insightful Q&A.

By Natalie Hammer Noblitt

46 Better Bookkeeping Strategies

When you understand your numbers, you control your business. Learn how better bookkeeping can strengthen decisions, reduce stress and safeguard your bottom line.

By Natlie Hammer Noblitt

52 Markdown Mastery

Stop treating markdowns like damage control. Learn how to use them as a powerful tool to protect margins, move inventory and keep customers engaged.

By Sara Burks inSpire. inForm. inStore.

WELCOME HOME,

Candym is proud to welcome tag home again, renewing a partnership grounded in shared values, thoughtful design and everyday functionality.

With textiles, candles, serveware and décor made to be lived with, loved and gifted, tag brings beauty into the everyday… because the moments that matter deserve products that do too.

Join us for our 2026 EVERYDAY & CHRISTMAS Pre-Booking Event

JANUARY 8th through FEBRUARY 28th, 2026 in our Markham showroom 49 Riviera Dr., Markham, ON L3R 5J6 1 800 263 3551 www.candym.com

inSight

inSpire. inForm

Hello

A Season of Possibility

S

pring and summer bring a shift in more than just the weather. They bring movement, optimism and opportunity — and for independent retailers, they open the door to fresh product, renewed energy and the chance to build deeper connection with customers.

In this issue, we’re leaning into what this season does best: inspiring creativity, while filling these pages with articles that help retailers work smarter, not harder. From nature-inspired product trends and floralinfused home décor to fashion, gifting and baby categories, you’ll find plenty of ideas to refresh your assortment and spark

curiosity on the sales floor.

A thread that is woven through a number of articles is the fact that today’s consumers are buying more than items — they’re buying trust, experience and feeling. Whether it’s through meaningful in-store events, purpose-driven products, relationship-driven marketing or thoughtful merchandising that slows shoppers down and invites them to linger, the retailers who stand out are the ones creating moments customers remember.

You’ll also find the practical, no-nonsense and easy-to-implement business advice from mastering markdowns without sacrificing margin to strengthening bookkeeping practices that protect your profits. These insights are designed to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more in control of your store’s future.

At InStore, our goal is always the same: to support you with ideas that are inspiring, realistic and rooted in the realities of running a small business.

As you plan for the warmer months ahead, we hope this issue helps you test something new, refine what’s already working and reconnect with why you love what you do.

Here’s to a season filled with colour, creativity and connection!

Erica Kirkland, Publisher & Editor

12

inStore. Winter 2026

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE RETAILERS

Editor & Publisher Erica Kirkland ekirkland@instoremagazine.ca Art Director Gerry Wiebe Advertising Inquiries ekirkland@instoremagazine.ca 905-690-0492 Contributors Castlerock Studios, Will Fournier, Sarah Fournier, Jessica Harlan, Nickeisha Lewis, Natalie Noblitt InStore Magazine™ was founded independently in 2014 by Erica Kirkland.

The magazine is published four times a year and sent to 12,000 independent retailers in Canada selling giftware, home décor, fashion accessories and lifestyle items. © 2026 InStore Magazine™. The contents of this publication are the property of InStore Magazine Inc. 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 Winnipeg, Man. Publication mail #40841587. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: InStore Magazine™, 169 James St S., Unit 606, Hamilton, ON L8P 3A3.

Email: editorial@instoremagazine.ca

inSpire. inForm. inStore.

CONTENTS PAGE

800.263.2311

inStock

What We’re Loving

Turning Over a New Leaf

Freshen up your stationery and book offerings for spring with these fun picks

Love Muchly greeting card from Compendium, $7 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Love Muchly greeting card from Compendium, $7 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Pop-open affirmations from Compendium, $21.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Hardcover book from Compendium, $34.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Love Muchly greeting card from Compendium, $7 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Spiral floral notebook from Primitives by Kathy, $20 retail, Candym Enterprises, 800-263-3551, www.candym.com

The Candy Dish from Compendium, $34.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

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Softcover journal from Compendium, $15.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

inStore. Winter 2026

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inStock

What We’re Loving

New Beginnings Refresh your fashion and jewellery departments with new lines for spring and summer

Daphne two-in-one crossbody bag, $95 retail, ESPE Vegan, 905-881-3829, www.espe.ca

Lemon Petal handmade necklace, $46 retail, Aflame Creations Jewelry, aflamecreations.ca

Believe in Beauty necklace from Demdaco’s Your Journey collection, $29 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

Southwest Mist handmade bar earrings, $44 retail, Aflame Creations Jewelry, aflamecreations.ca

Quilted crossbody from Jen & Co., $73 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Think of You heart necklace from Demdaco, $17 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

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inStore. Winter 2026

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THE MIDNIGHT MERMAID COLLECTION “THE SEA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL SECRET CAPTURED IN CRYSTALS” BY

TORONTO MARKET WEEK

MODE SHOW - BOOTH # 2403

519-203-0885

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inStock

What We’re Loving

Secret Garden

Bath and body products awash in seasonal colours and floral prints

Plant-based handmade soap, $9.50 retail per bar, Soaps by Pogbanu, www.pogbanusoaps.com

English Coast handwash from Home County Co., $29.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Lavender hand cream from Thymes, $32 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca Self-draining silicone soap dish, $9.99 retail, Soap Envelope, soapenvelope.ca

Foaming bath salts from Thymes, $9 retail each, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca Soap saver pouch, $23.99 retail for two, Soap Envelope, soapenvelope.ca

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inStore. Winter 2026

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Inside Track

inForm

News & Notes

News & Notes IN THE NEWS

Streamline Art Celebrates 40 Years in Business

Tag Returns to Candym

Streamline Art, a Canadian-based supplier of wall décor, has been manufacturing and importing fine art in every style, size and price point for 40 years. Streamline’s 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Toronto is equipped with printers, framing technology and skilled designers and staff, allowing them to produce product on demand.

“In this day and age, celebrating a 40th anniversary is a testament to the quality and service Streamline Art has provided to our retail partners,” said Mark Wiltshire, president of Streamline Art, in a company press release.

The release went on to explain that the company has placed a higher focus on rich tones this year, paired with landscape, coastal, abstract and animal themes along with the addition of hand-painted brushstrokes to create a three-dimensional effect.

“These new hand-embellished art releases are natureinspired and deeply rooted in earth tones and electric pastels with an ethereal feel,” explained Jenny DiVizio, director of product development and merchandising. “Plus, we’ve added more oversized pieces, particularly for furniture stores, given the success of our spring 2025 market introductions.”

Streamline Art’s collections are refreshed every 90 days.

The team intentionally develops collections, themes and styles around select colourways, allowing store owners to tell a complete story. These colours are based on an annual colour trend report produced using information gathered from companies such as Pantone and Sherwin-Williams. Streamline’s current collection is centred around 11 core categories and colourways and is available in multiple size and price options. streamlineart.com

20

As the original Canadian distributor, Candym announced in December that it had renewed its distribution partnership with Tag. In a release, chief commercial officer Kathryn Hunter said, “Candym could not be more excited to renew our partnership with Tag. Near and dear to our hearts, Tag has always shared a common vision celebrating innovation, quality, integrity and customer satisfaction in all aspects of its business. Together we are committed to strengthening Canadian retail through the creation of beautiful and functional products.”

“We are excited to welcome this renewed partnership with Candym and the opportunity it brings to strengthen our brand presence across the Canadian market,” said Chuck Fraelich, president of Tag. “Their deep industry expertise, strong retailer relationships and commitment to service align seamlessly with our brand values. We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional products, expand our reach and support the continued growth of our customers throughout Canada.” www.candym.com

Candym Welcomes Looplabb to Canada Candym recently announced the addition of Looplabb to its portfolio of brands. Looplabb is an eyewear company known for its stylish, high-quality reading glasses, sunglasses and bluelight-blocking glasses. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry and a deep passion for eyewear, Looplabb was founded in Amsterdam with a clear mission to use the latest industry advancements to create fashionable, optically sound reading glasses at an accessible price point.

The Looplabb Reader collection features timeless, sophisticated classic styles while modern, colourful gift sets draw contemporary consumers. Each style comes with a recycled wool pouch. www.candym.com

inStore. Winter 2026

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Indulge Your Customers in Quality Hand Crafted Canadian Made Fudge and Brittles!

e d t f r a C d n a H ! s s e n d G oo Waterloo, ON 519-884-3505 contactus@brittles.ca www.brittlesnmore.com @ brittlesnmore

the

goods Petals of Love Pavilion is launching its Petals of Love collection at the upcoming Toronto winter markets. The coordinated assortment features a nostalgic, granny-chic floral pattern available across a range of product types, from candles and photo frames to trinket dishes and jewellery. If your store leans more toward usable items, Petals of Love includes mugs, glassware, tote bags, zipper pouches and plastic cups. www.paviliongift.com

The Story Behind Soap Envelope

Soap Envelope is a Canadian brand of soap accessories offering sustainable and practical solutions to make soaps last longer. The line is the brainchild of a husband-and-wife team, Scott and Danika, based in London, Ont. Scott’s experience developing a custom-engineered, zero-waste, washable furnace filter made entirely from recycled, proprietary 3D mesh that’s breathable and plush led to Danika having the idea to use the material to make soaps last longer. She asked Scott for the off-cuts and soon the kitchen table was scattered with pouches for bar soaps, officially called Bar Soap Pouches, and the Soap Envelope company was born.

There was no looking back — the couple dove right into learning as much as they could about natural soap. What they learned, in a nutshell: soap bars are inherently sustainable but over the last few decades, consumers have shifted to body wash in single-use plastic bottles. Now, bar soap is back in a big way, as evidenced by the plethora of quality brands available on the market.

The reason many consumers are reluctant to use soap bars is because they enjoy the lather and exfoliation that comes from using body wash on a loofah pouf. With no alternative available, people stick with what feels better. Due to its unique material, the Bar Soap Pouch lathers and adds a layer of exfoliation while saving all those tiny soap bits.

The couple’s dedication to research brought them to Cosmoprof Bologna in Italy, the world’s largest beauty, skincare and cosmetics trade show. There, they received the inspiration and guidance to create a sustainable soap dish to round out their product offerings. Available in six colours, the silicone dish has a non-slip underside and is dishwasher safe. The pouches retail from $23.99 for two and are available in white and black. The soap dish retails for $10.99. soapenvelope.ca

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the

goods Scratch-Free Cleaning Perfect for non-stick cookware, cast iron, stainless steel, glass stovetops and fruits and vegetables, the Miracle Scrubbies pack from Jude’s Miracle Cloth includes two unique cloths — one a double-layer mesh cloth and the other a two-sided microfiber cloth with a wire mesh. The cloths are guaranteed not to scratch and retail from $9.50. www.judesmiraclecloth.com

The Magic of Nature Known for her double-exposure wildlife and atmospheric Canadian landscapes, Canadian artist Elena Markelova’s newest pieces celebrate the quiet magic of nature. In Aurora’s Whisper, she captures the Northern Lights cascading above delicate pine trees while in Winter’s Glow she showcases the breathtaking yet quiet beauty of the Canadian Rockies. This original watercolour piece depicts Cascade Mountain at sunset, where soft pinks and warm oranges meet deep blue and violet shadows for a striking, high-contrast display. www.elenamarkelova.com

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inStore. Winter 2026

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Meet Canadian makers at

January 24 - 27, 2025

inStore. Winter 2026

www.instoremagazine.ca CONTENTS PAGE

25

inSight

Shop Profile

European Inspired Retail

26

inStore. Winter 2026

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Florist and Gift Shop Takes Inspiration from European Boutiques Mimosa in Saint-Hyacinthe flourishes with impeccable merchandising and stellar service

By Jessica Harlan

I

f you had asked me when I was in my 20s if I would be a florist, I’d say, you’re crazy!” says Maria Omobono, owner of Mimosa in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. When floral supplies came with the space she rented for a shop, she took it in stride and enrolled in florist school. Eighteen years and a relocation later, Omobono’s sweet boutique combines fresh flowers with beautiful gifts and décor in an homage to the European boutiques she loves to visit on her travels. Here, she talks to InStore about her business.

What makes your store unique?

It’s the merchandising and the experience.

The merchandising is really unique.

We’re also a florist, and that makes our store have a very European feel. There’s flowers, plants, candles, décor, and furniture — it’s really different.

How would you describe your store and its atmosphere?

The expression when people first enter my store is “Wow!” The building is

from the 1800s, it was the general store in town. You can still see in the floors where the furniture of the general store was. We’ve made a lot of changes. It’s an ancient look but with my vibe. We have antique furniture for display, and we also sell chalk paint so we’ve changed the furniture with the paint. It’s really a mix of styles, and that’s what makes it unique.

There’s also an olfactory experience.

We light candles every day, there’s good music, and the staff is really friendly.

All the customers say being here is their “moment.” They’re relaxing, taking their time, and looking everywhere like kids in a candy store.

What is your background and why did you get into retail?

I worked for nearly 10 years in the fashion industry as a buyer. I worked in China, Korea, traveling to shows around the world. But I decided I was missing all the good moments with my family.

My brother was sick, and I wasn’t there to be with him. I decided to leave my job

JUST THE STATS Store: Mimosa Location: Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec Square Footage: 3,200 Employees: 6 Website: mimosamaison.com

inStore. Winter 2026

www.instoremagazine.ca CONTENTS PAGE

27

and start a shop. At first I wanted to be in the fashion industry since that’s my background. I found a location, but the house came with equipment for a floral business. So I went to florist school to see if I liked it. I started the business in 2007 as a small florist, and after five years, I moved to a bigger location and added candles, décor, gifts, and jewelry.

My buyer’s background helped me a lot to find new stuff and to negotiate.

To what do you attribute your success?

I think my staff is one of the biggest things. They give my customer such good service. And merchandising is the key to my store. I’m really picky about it—if it’s not how I want it, I change 28

inStore. Winter 2026

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everything. I also change up the store every two to three months so when the customer comes in, they have a whole new experience. They’re always excited to see what’s new.

How do you promote your store and what are your most successful promotions or marketing mediums?

Social media is my best promotion and our best selling tool, I’ll make videos for social media.

We also changed our website last year to Shopify and that helped us with the online selling. I hired someone to work on our website every day.

What has been your most successful recent event?

For my 15-year anniversary I did a big event and it was such a great success that now we do it every year in November just before Christmas and call it our VIP sale. We offer wine and a big buffet made by my Italian mom. We give gifts to all the customers that are there, big gifts that are like a $50 value. Our suppliers help with the gifts and they come present [their lines] at the event.

Do you have a favourite product line?

Candles and diffusers. I love selling those. I have a very fine nose so I like when it smells good.

I’m picky with the quality of my candles and diffusers.

At the moment, what are your biggest struggles or pain points?

The price increases. I lost a lot of American lines that were really big sellers. I’m cutting my margins because everything is increasing. Rent and everything else is just going up.

I can’t increase my prices that much because things are already a bit pricey.

Looking back, what is the biggest lesson you have learned?

To stay calm and breathe when there’s a problem, because there is always a solution. The staff can feel what you’re feeling, and sometimes when you’re too stressed, it affects them. Now I stay calm and try to find a solution. I always admit my mistakes with staff and suppliers. It’s the best solution for both.

Finally, how do you stay inspired?

I travel a lot in Europe. I love European stores.

Liberty of London is one of my favourites.

I love to go inside all the little shops, it gives me different vibes and inspires me.

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inStore. Winter 2026

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SPRING 2026

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inStore. Winter 2026

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Shopping Guide

| inStore

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inStore. Winter 2026 2025-12-15336:56 PM

inStore | Shopping Guide PEACE, LOVE & SARCASM A little fun, a little sassy, a little unexpected!

www.peaceloveandsarcasm.ca info@peaceloveandsarcasm.ca

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inStore. Winter 2026

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Shopping Guide

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inStore | Shopping Guide

live life beautifully

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inStore. Winter 2026

www.instoremagazine.ca CONTENTS PAGE

37

EVENT MARKETING

Building Loyalty with Events The Ins and Outs of Event Marketing

BUILDING LOYALTY WITH EVENTS

Events remain one of the most effective marketing tools in a retailer’s toolkit, but making them successful requires planning, creativity and consistency. In this article, longtime retail strategist and consultant Georganne Bender of Kizer and Bender shares what makes a great event, how to avoid pitfalls when planning and why retailers should embrace events as more than just a sales tactic.

38

WHAT TYPE OF EVENTS WORK?

First of all, Bender emphasizes that, “Events aren’t just about selling — they’re about building community, reinforcing your store’s brand and giving customers a reason to engage.”

She stresses that there are unique differences between events and sales.

“You can hold an event and not put a single thing on sale,” she says, as events act as more than just a sales generator for that day. “They build a store’s personality and position it as

inStore. Winter 2026

a place where something is always happening,” says Bender.

That’s not to say that discounts can’t be a part of an event. Bender recommends designing a createyour-own-coupon event that allows shoppers to choose their own deals, giving them a sense of empowerment and personalization. “Interactive events around the holidays – like Halloween pumpkin-carving contests or a wish-list shopping night where shoppers buy from lists filled out by their partners – will draw crowds and inSpire. inForm. inStore.

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By Natalie Hammer Noblitt

create memorable experiences,” she says.

During spring and summer months, store owners can use wish-list shopping nights for Mother’s Day, graduations or weddings. Interactive event ideas abound for spring celebrations, including pictures with the Easter Bunny, making cards for Mother’s or Father’s Day, mini container-gardening workshops or DIY home décor classes.

Bender also suggests, “Creating stations where people can make something to purchase or build their own gift baskets.”

HOW MANY EVENTS SHOULD A STORE HOLD EACH YEAR?

“I always tell retailers to host one major event per month and one to two minor events each month.” She classifies major events as traffic drivers that require more planning and marketing.

“Minor events include a product trunk show, a local artist feature or even a pop-up demo or tasting. Major events will bring in more people than minor events, and it’s normal to have different levels of attendance,” says Bender.

WHEN SHOULD STORE OWNERS START PLANNING? “Planning early ensures that you

can coordinate marketing, secure entertainment or food vendors, and notify your VIP customers with plenty of lead time.” She emphasizes the importance of ensuring you have events planned for all holidays and community moments. “Know what’s happening in your town and have a list of the major festivals and events. Don’t just react to them but be ready to be part of the action.” inStore. Winter 2026

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HOW TO: Create-Your-Own Coupon Event

By Natalie Hammer Noblitt

WHAT ELEMENTS COMBINE FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT? “Food, music, entertainment,

giving back and activities are all part of a great event, but each element should be organized with intention,” says Bender.

“Successful events appeal to the senses and emotions. Think of it as refreshments, music, personalized shopping and a bit of theatre. Don’t be afraid to be corny. People love corny. Think of voting contests and colouring contests. People of all ages love a good competition.”

HOW DO PAID EVENTS WORK? “One retailer I work with hosts

a four-hour holiday open house and charges a fifteen-dollar entry fee.” In addition to being the first consumers to see the store’s holiday merchandise, guests are also treated to a string quartet, wine, charcuterie and desserts. “The event sells out year after year because people look forward to it,” says Bender. She encourages store owners to create events that “give people a reason to get off the couch.”

WHAT TIMES AND DAYS OF THE WEEK ARE BEST FOR EVENTS? “Fridays and Saturdays are typically best, especially for evening events,” says Bender.

When it comes to open houses, she says they should be held in early November and/or 40

early spring. “If you can tie an open house into an existing celebration or neighbourhood event, do it,” she says.

Bender also stresses the importance of “setting yourself apart from other stores by hosting events that create community connections and memorable experiences rather than just offering discounts.

If people love the event, make it an annual event to build anticipation and tradition.”

WHAT MISTAKES SHOULD RETAILERS AVOID?

“Retailers often confuse events with sales,” reiterates Bender.

“Sales scream, ‘I need to get rid of this stuff now’ – events are about fostering relationships.

Another common error is waiting too long to plan. You need a promotional calendar that outlines major and minor events every month and helps you plan all the ways you’ll get the message across.

Your website, social media, bag stuffers, email, texts and whatever tools you have available should all be used.

And repetition matters. Don’t rely on just one post to inform shoppers. Bag stuffers deserve a special mention. Rather than stuffing them in a bag, hand them to the customer with a fifteen-second pitch about why they should attend. That way, they know what’s coming and they can choose what to do with that information.”

inStore. Winter 2026

Giving shoppers the power to create their own discount is a creative way to market events and still provide the discounts shoppers love, says Georganne Bender. It’s not just an ordinary sale with everything marked down. It’s an evergreen event that can be hosted on its own or incorporated into holiday and other themed gatherings.

Create a sheet of four coupons on your computer, sized to fit on one 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper. Use one side for the coupons and the other side for information about the sale.

Use this guideline or create your own: • • • •

Coupon 1: 10 percent off any one regularly priced item between $5 and $10 Coupon 2: 15 percent off any one regularly priced item between $10 and $15 Coupon 3: 20 percent off any one regularly priced item between $15 and $25 Coupon 4: 25 percent off any one regularly priced item between $25 and $50

Make note that each coupon can only be used once, can’t be combined with other offers and is only good for in-stock items on the day of the event.

If there’s merchandise you don’t want included in the sale, make sure this is clearly indicated on your coupons, in-store signage and in any ads you run.

Make sure you have plenty of extra coupons available for customers who don’t have any, or keep a master list for staff to use at each checkout.

Hang signs in the window and throughout the store that read, “If you don’t have a coupon, we will find one for you!” This helps everyone feel included.

Invite every customer to fill out the back of each coupon redeemed and place it in a “Second Chance Giveaway” drawing for a prize of your choice. Draw for this prize at the end of your event.

Provide a place on the back of each coupon where customers can add their contact information, including email.

inSpire. inForm. inStore.

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inStore. Winter 2026

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Photography by Will Fournier Styling by Sarah Fournier

Petal

Power This season offers a bounty of fresh, floral-infused products for home and entertaining

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Pedal Power

Melamine dinner plate from Maxwell & Williams, $44.99 retail for set of four, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com Cleo wallet, $48 retail, ESPE Vegan, 905-881-3829, www.espe.ca

Felt rabbits, $9 retail each, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

Ceramic 4 x 6-inch picture frame, Pavilion, 585-494-1930, www.paviliongift.com

Melamine side plate from Maxwell & Williams, $31.99 retail for set of four, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

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43

Pedal Power

Melamine bowl from Maxwell & Williams, $31.99 retail for set of four, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

Floral pillow from Audrey’s, $97 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

Green 4 x 6-inch photo frame, $19 retail for two, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

Ranunculus spray from Nutcracker, $6 retail, Candym Enterprises, 800-263-3551, www.candym.com

Pyjama set, Mahogany Canada, 905-842-0900, www.mahoganycanada.com

Tulip paper napkins, $6 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

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inStore. Winter 2026

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Pedal Power

Ceramic mug, Danica, 888-632-6422, www.danicabrands.com Floral tablecloth, Mahogany Canada, 905-842-0900, www.mahoganycanada.com

Large ombré tumbler, $29 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com

Quartz resin pears from Elevarre, $187 retail for pair, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

Multi floral pillow, $45 retail, Koppers Home, 866-604-0490, www.koppershome.com Ceramic bowl, Danica, 888-632-6422, www.danicabrands.com

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Better Bookkeeping Strategies Save Money, Prevent Headaches & Strengthen Your Store

By Natalie Hammer Noblitt

46

inStore. Winter 2026

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“A common misconception among retailers is that they believe their businesses are too small to worry about accuracy or hiring a bookkeeper. The call for help usually comes after an owner realizes they have a mess on their hands before tax season, or they get a letter from the government.”

F

or many retailers, keeping their store’s books in line can be overwhelming — especially as money flows rapidly through the business.

But knowing the health of your store’s finances at any given time can save money and prevent bigger headaches later, says Lindsey Roberts, owner of HarQuin Bookkeeping.

Roberts recently hosted a seminar on best practices for stores, alongside former retailer and consultant Bob Negen of WhizBang! Retail Training.

The knowledge they shared can help you improve bookkeeping practices to strengthen your store.

ACCURACY AND UNDERSTANDING

Even if you have a financial team of experts, a store owner still needs to

understand the numbers, says Negen.

“At the end of the day, financial decisions are strategic decisions. The better you understand your financial reports, the more confidently you can plan, spend and grow.”

Roberts says a common misconception among retailers is that they believe their businesses are too small to worry about accuracy or hiring a bookkeeper. Because of that assumption, she often helps retailers play catch-up. The call for help usually comes after an owner realizes they have a mess on their hands before tax season, or they receive a letter from the government.

“I want to encourage retailers to pay close attention to their finances sooner rather than later,” she says. “If you need to hire professional help, getting started right away makes financial

sense. With the cost of do-it-yourself software going up, you’re better off having someone who understands the process and can tailor it correctly to your business.”

Some retailers do enjoy handling their books and are good at it, says Negen, but in his experience that’s not most store owners. “Retailers love to think about creative marketing ideas, buying inventory and merchandising — and that’s where their strengths lie,” he says. “I often ask retailers why they would spend their time working on the books when they could be focusing on things they enjoy and that will make money for them.”

Roberts agrees that getting outside help can be a sound investment even for those comfortable with bookkeeping. “There’s no analysis when you do it yourself,” she says.

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Better Bookkeeping Strategies “You need someone else to look at your work.

Many business owners don’t realize they are in trouble until something bad happens.”

FILING TAXES VERSUS BOOKKEEPING

Bookkeeping and taxes are two essential activities for running a business. But separating these financial functions is a good idea to reduce errors, says Roberts. Having a chartered accountant is important for the overall picture of your business and may be the right choice for filing taxes, she says. A bookkeeper should handle the daily transactions, helping you see where the money is going while leaving taxes to someone who knows tax law.

“As humans, we are less likely to catch our own errors because we are so familiar with the work,” Roberts says. “Mistakes are much more likely to be caught when you have different perspectives.”

By the time bookkeeping numbers get to the accountant or tax preparer, most will assume the client has already done the checks and balances, Roberts adds. Business owners may assume the accountant is checking their work, but that’s not usually the case. Having a bookkeeper prepare your numbers means you can feel confident in them. It’s the best way to avoid a cram session before tax season — trying to remember everything you did last year.

“Generally, we see bigger mistakes in books where the bookkeeper and the tax preparer are the same person, or even in the same firm,” Roberts adds. “You wouldn’t want your warehouse manager overseeing inventory.

Separation of duties just makes sense.”

STAY AUDIT READY

Negen himself went through an audit while he was a store owner, and it’s a process he wouldn’t want to repeat. At the time, he felt his business was being tightly run and that officials had most likely forgotten he even existed. That wasn’t the case. Like many retailers, he wasn’t sure what an audit would entail. Roberts says it’s important to have your financials in order in case this happens.

With an audit, they will look at your financials and ask questions about what you claim as business expenses, she says. They 48

inStore. Winter 2026

will check that you report the right amount of income, sometimes reviewing deposits to your bank account. Being able to account for all income and expenses correctly is important.

Operating as a cash-based business isn’t a way to avoid being audited, Roberts cautions.

Once auditors take time to contact your business and begin an audit, it’s very likely they’ll find something to take issue with — such as writing off meals and entertainment, she adds.

It’s important to keep personal and business expenses separate because auditors may question their authenticity as business deductions.

KNOW WHERE THE CASH GOES

Roberts finds that one of the most common issues business owners encounter is with general cash. “When you do your bookkeeping, cash from sales sits on the balance sheet until it’s either deposited into your bank account, until you spend it or until you take it home because it’s yours.”

Roberts says she sees many clients who have a large cash balance at the end of the year, and there are questions about where it went. When it’s not accounted for, sometimes the result is discovering that cash has been stolen by an employee. Other times, she says, the cash has been spent but not properly documented as an expense. If it’s not documented, it can’t be taken as a write-off.

For those who truly don’t know where the funds went, it often gets accounted for as part of the owner’s draw. But the downside to using that method as a fallback is that taxes must be paid on this amount, which can be costly.

Avoiding this mistake makes the investment in proper bookkeeping worthwhile, she says.

“Hiring professionals isn’t a luxury — it’s an investment,” Negen says. “But hire wisely. Ask questions. Get references. And choose people you trust. Make sure they understand your retail business, your software systems and your goals.”

Lastly, both Negen and Roberts say that if you haven’t explored hiring a bookkeeper, take the leap now to get a quote. Often, retailers are pleasantly surprised that the cost is not nearly what they expected and that the investment is well worth the peace of mind it brings. inSpire. inForm. inStore.

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Fashion & Home

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Keep it

Wild Neutrals, Nature Motifs and Animals for the Win

Photography by Will Fournier Styling by Sarah Fournier

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Keep itWild

A new season is a great time to test new categories, so why not dip your toe into the baby and children’s category with an assortment of products in neutral hues featuring evergreen nature and animal motifs?

Plush animals in clothes from Creative Co-op, $21.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Double-cloth cotton bib from Creative Co-op, $15.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Kid’s tee from Creative Co-op, $33 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Brush and comb set from Stephan Baby, $38.50 retail, Design Home Gift & Paper, 800-663-9950, www.designhome.ca

Bamboo and cotton blend romper with a design on the front and back, Pavilion, 585-494-1930, www.paviliongift.com

Quilted throw from Primitives

by Kathy, $124 retail, Candym Enterprises, 800-263-3551, www.candym.com

Winnie-the-Pooh layered bracelet from Demdaco, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com

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Markdown Mastery

Strategies to Protect Your Profit

By Sara Burk

F

irst, let’s be real. Markdowns hurt. They eat into margins, train customers to wait for sales and can feel like lastditch efforts to get rid of slow movers. But here’s the flip side: markdowns done with purpose can fuel new growth, clear the path for better inventory and even increase customer loyalty. Yet too many retailers treat markdowns like reactive cleanups instead of strategic tools.

Markdowns aren’t the enemy. Done right, they protect your profit instead of draining it.

PLAN MARKDOWNS BEFORE YOU NEED THEM Set a markdown calendar. If something doesn’t sell after 45 to 60 days, it’s not special, it’s just sitting there. Schedule first markdowns around key dates like season changes or store events.

ALWAYS KNOW YOUR MARGIN BUFFER

Before you take 30 percent off, ask, “Am I still making money?” Example: if you bought a top for $20 and retail it at $50, you have $30 in markup. That gives you room to markdown once, maybe twice, before you lose money.

USE TIERED DISCOUNTS, NOT FIRE SALES

No more blanket sales. A “Buy one, get one at 30 percent off ” protects margin better than “30 percent off everything.” Don’t sell your diamonds

with your dirt, meaning if you do a storewide 30 percent off sale, you may end up selling new arrivals at 30 percent off but fail to move the older products you needed to clear.

BUNDLE TO INCREASE AVERAGE ORDER VALUE

Offer “styled sets” to move slow sellers without slashing prices. For example, can’t sell the tank? Pair it with a cardigan.

EDUCATION EQUALS ELEVATION

Don’t wait for the backroom to overflow – teach employees to spot poor performers early. Train them to upsell, not discount. For example, that leftover earring set might be a perfect add-on at checkout. Teach your staff to use markdowns to create buzz, not an apology. Market them like a VIP secret.

ACTION PLAN

Here’s a three-part plan you can do this week to figure out what merchandise needs to be marked down.

• Audit: Pull your dead stock report. What hasn’t sold in 60 plus days? What categories are underperforming?

• Adjust: Re-merchandise top underperformers, re-photograph if you need a different look or an alternative marketing angle and adjust pricing on items you can still move with full margin.

• •

Feature them in a staff pick or social post.

Activate: Launch a targeted, timebound markdown plan.

• Week one: cut 15 to 20 percent • Week two: move to bundles • Week three: final cut to clear or donate, depending on the item

MARKDOWN DATA EQUALS INVENTORY BUYING POWER Your markdowns tell a story — if you listen. When you dig into the following, you’re not just reacting, you’re evolving. Ask yourself: what brands always end up on the sale rack, what colours or sizes underperform and what categories feel overbought?

FINAL THOUGHTS

Markdown mastery isn’t about cutting your prices. It’s about raising your standards. It’s saying: “I value space, margin and customer excitement too much to let my shelves gather dust!” No one is visiting your website or walking into your store asking for what was new six months ago.

Inventory shouldn’t celebrate birthdays in your store.

Sara Burks is the director of partnerships and education at The Boutique Hub. She has been in the boutique industry for over twenty years and has a master’s in business administration.

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Relationship Trust Is What Today’s Consumers Are Really Buying — Learn How to Create Content That Resonates With artificial intelligence growing in popularity, good old-fashioned humanness is in short supply — and this is where independent retailers shine!

Natalie Hammer Noblitt

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Marketing

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W

e’re in a trust recession,” says Courtney Talley, brand director and founder of Salesgirl Social.

“AI can generate anything — emails, images and entire brands. Some are so good that people believe they’re real.

But buyers are getting smarter and their BS radar is on high alert.”

She advises that if you want people to believe in you and your business, you can’t just write average — or even too-perfect — content and expect people to follow. Trust — not automation, algorithms or even a killer product — is what today’s consumers are really buying.

Talley shares practical tips on creating sales content that fosters personalized relationships. That doesn’t mean you can’t use technology to make life easier. The Salesgirl Social team says the best way for entrepreneurs to generate more business — and get the best ROI — is to learn great sales techniques and use them authentically to build trust.

HOW CAN RETAILERS SUCCEED IN AN AGE WHERE SYNTHETIC CONTENT IS EVERYWHERE? The answer lies in relationship marketing — an approach that prioritizes human connection, repeat engagement and long-term loyalty over fast, transactional sales. Some of the best ways to add a human touch to your brand are by using real people and real faces, Talley says.

56

“Use video, show your face, tell real stories and include testimonials. And, yes, you may brainstorm your headline or copy with ChatGPT, but you need to infuse what AI creates with your own truth. It’s elementary, but it’s where we are as a society.”

For retailers, this could mean sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the store, spotlighting team members or loyal customers, or using testimonials to let others speak for your brand. People don’t trust polished perfection — they connect with real, relatable stories, and that’s good news for independent retailers.

A real person’s imperfections, hustle and passion are what resonate with shoppers, she says.

HOW CAN RETAILERS SHIFT FROM PRODUCT-BASED TO RELATIONSHIP-BASED MARKETING?

“People don’t pay for product features — they pay to become someone new,” Talley explains.

“What’s the transformation?” is the question she suggests asking before figuring out how to sell an item.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on product qualities — where a jam comes from, the type of fabric used or the natural ingredients in a candle. Instead, sell the feeling: the confidence a piece of clothing brings at a big event or the quiet joy of a morning ritual enhanced by artisan coffee.

“Apple sells the outcome, not the tool,” Talley says. “Apple doesn’t say, ‘We added generative AI.’ They say,

inStore. Winter 2026

‘Now your phone is smarter, more personal and more helpful.’”

WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN RETAILERS BUILD RELATIONSHIP MARKETING INTO SELLING?

“Drop the jargon. Lead with the result,” Talley says. “In some cases, you need to remind the customer there’s a problem before you offer the solution. When Apple wanted to sell AI, they told users: “Your phone isn’t helpful enough. That’s a problem.”

Then they sold the fix.”

Highlighting a customer’s pain point creates the friction that draws them into your message — and that makes the end user the hero.

“It’s not about the AirTag — it’s about the mom finding her keys. It’s not about the MacBook Air — it’s about the creative magic it makes. It’s not about the new iPhone software — it’s about the traveller ordering in another language with confidence.”

HOW CAN RETAILERS CREATE CONTENT THAT’S MORE RELATABLE?

Whether you’re crafting a product description or writing a marketing email, every word matters. Your writing can build relationships and convey authenticity — but only if it grabs attention first.

“Headlines do the heavy lifting,” Talley says. “If your headline doesn’t stop the scroll or spark a ‘Wait, I need this’ response, the rest won’t matter.”

She advises starting with a bold headline and building your content inSpire. inForm. inStore.

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BE HUMAN, BUT LET TECHNOLOGY HELP ChatGPT prompts can save you time, says Courtney Talley of Salesgirl Social. Here are some of her favourite ways to use AI while still personalizing the results for your brand.

from there. And if it feels too honest or a little cringey?

Keep it.

“Sometimes what makes us nervous to share is actually very relatable. If a line makes you squirm because it feels too honest or too bold, leave it in. That’s usually the moment someone goes, ‘Oof. She’s talking to me.’”

Prompts to Try: • Use the information in this article to create a downloadable checklist or infographic for your audience.

•

Insert common questions you receive about your return policy.

Ask AI to draft chatbot responses for your website.

Many small retailers are building everything from scratch — the brand, the website, the content. That can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a strength.

“You’re not behind — you’re resourceful,” Talley says.

“You might be the copywriter, brand strategist, designer and developer all in one. That’s not embarrassing. That’s entrepreneurship.”

When you feel stuck on what to write, Talley’s advice isn’t to find something new — but to go louder and deeper on what you’ve already said.

“Ever stared at your Instagram grid or blog and thought, ‘I’ve said this all before?’ Say it again, but better. There are no new messages, only new messengers. You become a new messenger with every book you read and every experience you have.”

•

Ask AI to review your copy for redundant statements and suggest simplifications for clarity.

•

Draft responses to common objections like “It’s too expensive” or “I need more time to think.” Use these for team training.

•

Create automated responses for common customer inquiries about products and services.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OVERCOMING WRITER’S BLOCK?

•

Ask AI to identify your topperforming social media posts and suggest similar content.

•

Ask AI to analyse how your email click-through rates vary by time or day of the week.

•

Use AI to analyse customer questions for recurring themes.

Involve your sales team in the review.

•

Repurpose a blog post into a series of LinkedIn or social media posts, each focused on a key takeaway.

HOW CAN INDEPENDENT RETAILERS USE SMALLNESS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE?

Talley offers a four-step strategy: 1. Scroll your blog, Instagram, YouTube or other past content from the last six months.

2. Pick one piece of content to revisit.

3. Try not to cringe — chances are, you’re more knowledgeable now.

4. Rewrite or re-record a new message on the same topic.

WHY DO YOU ENCOURAGE RETAILERS TO RECYCLE CONTENT?

“Because your perspective has evolved and so has your audience.” Most people don’t catch everything the first time or may need to hear it again in a new way. “It’s not about being repetitive — it’s about being consistent, and in today’s world, repetition builds recognition and recognition builds trust and trust builds sales.”

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inSight

Retail Visions

Create Summer Moments Customers Won’t Forget

By Nickeisha Lewis

W

ith warmer weather, longer days and more foot traffic from both locals and tourists, summer is the perfect season to elevate your instore experience. One of the most effective ways to do this is by hosting summer events that create buzz, draw shoppers in and give your store a fresh sense of energy and community.

VISUAL MERCHANDISING Use props like beach balls, umbrellas and sunglasses to create a fun, summery vibe and ensure your displays reflect your brand’s aesthetic. Use colour blocking to build displays around classic summer hues like citrus tones, blues and greens. A cohesive colour story instantly makes displays feel intentional and seasonally relevant.

HOST MULTIPLE EVENTS Throughout the season, plan multiple summer sale events, open houses and themed in-store experiences.

These gatherings curate memorable moments that position your store as a must-visit destination. Create events your customers will genuinely want to attend – something they’ll rave about to friends and family.

MUSIC Curate a vibrant summer playlist with upbeat, beachy and feel-good tracks to set the tone as soon as customers walk in the door. Think steel drums, reggae, calypso, energetic pop or nostalgic summer classics.

EVENT IDEAS Hold a product demonstration with one of your suppliers, organize a free mini class and create a series of open house events with giveaways and exclusive promotions. Lean into fun summer themes to make these events stand out.

STOREFRONT REFRESH Refresh your storefront with summer-themed window posters, decals or banners. A bright, onbrand aesthetic will naturally attract foot traffic.

Sandwich boards, easels or even a few balloons outside your entrance can further help draw attention. Even better, if you have the staff and time, set up an outdoor display or sidewalk rack. Add a styled mannequin to entice customers to step inside.

58

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Each event you host builds momentum. Beyond boosting traffic, events help build a sense of community. People remember how your store made them feel and summer is the ideal time to craft that emotional connection. Word spreads, locals take notice, tourists wander in and your community of loyal shoppers grows along with your sales.

Once the season winds down, take time to reflect. What brought in the most traffic and which experiences did customers respond to most? These insights will help you plan even stronger events for the seasons to come.

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