Smart Retailer December 2020

DECEMBER 2020 • $6.95

HELPING YOUR GIFT BUSINESS SUCCEED

Clean Up With Soaps, Balms, and More!

R MARK:

MAKE YOU

TIPS FOR G BRANDIN RE O YOUR ST

Fall in Love With Valentine’s Day & Wedding Products

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020 30 Weddings & Gift Shops: A Match Made in Heaven

Weddings are a time to splurge on making memories to last a lifetime. Find merchandise here to help mark the special day.

34 Clean Up on Sales: Soaps, Balms, Lotions, and More Look no further for hot products in a fast-growing category.

22

PRODUCT FOCUS NEW & NOTEWORTHY:

10 Stocking Stuffers and More Delight shoppers with gifts to put a smile on everyone’s face at Christmas.

TREND WATCH:

22 Valentine’s & St. Patrick’s Day Gifts & Décor Customers will fall in love with gifts and décor to celebrate these two special holidays.

BUSINESS SENSE 16 2021 Winter Show Preview While wholesale shows faced huge challenges in 2020, they’ve not only adapted to them but actually found improvements, such as offering digital marketplaces and pre-show digital educational opportunities to complement their physical markets.

Bay Trading Co offers French-milled, luxurious vegetable soaps and select spa products enriched with botanical butters, oils, and extracts. For more information, visit www.gbsoaps.com, or call 919-781-5008.

44 Peddler’s Mercantile

Lisa Bateman opened her shop in 2017 after spending decades on the craft fair circuit. Since then, she’s put her experience to work creating a fast-growing business specializing in handmade goods.

47 News Roundup from Smart-Retailer.com

Find news stories and article summaries here with full stories available on smart-retailer.com.

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 Editor’s Note 8 Welcome Exchange:

Questions & Answers that Matter

48 Trade Show Calendar 50 Advertiser Index

38 Branding Your Store to Increase Sales

Learn how to catch the eye of your shoppers and make your brand irresistible and memorable.

40 Business Briefs:

Business-boosting notes from the field; lots of ideas; your values on display; what’s in store for the season; model suggestions.

DISPLAY & DESIGN:

ON THE COVER: Greenwich

RETAILER SPOTLIGHT:

34

42 Make It Local. Make It By Hand. Make It Work!

Leverage the power of local by creating displays that celebrate the work of handmade artists in your area.

Smart Retailer (USPS 011-498) (ISSN 1076-7282) is published eight times a year (Jan, Feb, Apr, June, July, Sept, Nov, Dec) by JP Media LLC, N7528 Aanstad Road, Iola, WI. Periodicals Postage Paid at Iola, WI 54945 and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Free to qualified U.S. retailers only; all other U.S. subscriptions, $19.95 for eight issues; in Canada, $42.95 for eight issues; other foreign subscriptions, $54.95 for eight issues, prepaid in U.S. funds. For subscription inquiries, address changes or adjustments, write to Smart Retailer at P.O. Box 8551, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9766 or call (855)367-4819. When moving, send your old address as well as your new address and zip code. Allow six weeks for changes. When inquiring about your subscription, please include your address label.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Smart Retailer, P.O. Box 8551, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9766. Printed in the U.S.A.

4 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

QUALITY PRODUCTS MADE IN THE USA OPEN YEAR-ROUND

180 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 • Ph: 717-295-2570 • Fx: 717-295-2576 info@lancasterwholesalemall.com • www.LancasterWholesaleMall.com

EDITOR’SNOTE

Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome

A

s I write this at the beginning of October, we face many unknowns in the upcoming months. We don’t know how the election, civil unrest, and COVID-19 will affect the economy in 2021. But in spite of all the challenges in 2020, some of our readers did surprisingly well because they had a solid business plan as a foundation and were able to pivot quickly to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. We heard reports of stores creating online stores within a few days after their physical stores closed. They adopted a strategy that our military uses: improvise, adapt, and overcome.

Our troops are trained to be problem solvers.

Although they develop detailed plans, they know conditions can change quickly. That can require making bold, decisive changes on the move. They’re constantly anticipating problems and developing solutions, so they can effectively implement them when needed. The intense preparation also increases confidence and reduces the chance of being paralyzed by indecision.

Some stores were forced by law to close for so long and had such enormous obstacles that they couldn’t overcome them. Nevertheless, being agile gives stores the best chance for survival and success. As we head into a new year, take inspiration from our troops to improvise, adapt, and overcome.

WINTER 2021 SHOW PREVIEW Check out our preview of Winter 2021 wholesale shows and discover what’s new and how the shows have adapted to the “new normal” (pg. 16).

PRODUCTS TO PLEASE In this issue, we feature a lineup of celebrating Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day (pg. 22), weddings (pg. 30), and bath and body products (page 34). These categories are perennial favorites sure to make shoppers happy.

MAKE YOUR MARK Flora Delaney finishes the year with advice on branding your store to make it stand out among the competition: “Branding Your Store to Increase Sales” (pg. 38). She not only provides detailed, concrete steps, but reveals how often branding needs to be updated to maintain a fresh, appealing presence in the marketplace.

The holiday shopping season is about to start, and this year it’s expected to begin earlier than usual so shoppers can avoid crowds. This season will be unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetime. It will take creative thinking and marketing to make the most of it.

TO YOUR SUCCESS! DAN BROWNELL, EDITOR

VOLUME 28, NUMBER 8

DIANA JONES President/Publisher, ext. 151 dianaj@jpmediallc.com

DAN BROWNELL Editor, ext. 154 danb@smart-retailer.com

JOYCE GREENHOLDT Product Editor joyceg@jpmediallc.com

ANDREA GARBE Sales Account Executive, ext. 114 andreag@jpmediallc.com

JIM NEGEN Sales Account Executive, ext. 118 jimn@jpmediallc.com

ELIZABETH KROGWOLD Art Director

ROCKY LANDSVERK Editorial Director

CONTRIBUTORS: Flora Delaney Sarah Hoban Amy Meadows Jennifer Raines

SMART RETAILER P.O. Box 5000 Iola, WI 54945 Advertising Dept: (715) 445-5000 ext. 114

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Subscriptions: (855) 367-4819 Phone: (715) 445-5000 Fax: (715) 445-4053 www.smart-retailer.com www.facebook.com/SmartRetailerMagazine www.twitter.com/smart_retailer Copyright © 2020

WELCOMEEXCHANGE

BY JENNIFER RAINES editor@smart-retailer.com

Increased Customer Satisfaction and Increased Sales

I’ve started seeing some companies using texting for marketing messages. I’m curious about instituting that in my business, but I don’t want to be seen as being “spammy.”

Do you have recommendations on whether or not it’s helpful and which apps are best?

If a customer’s question is resolved before they visit your store, it might help reinforce their buying decision. If they feel comfortable, they may purchase more than what they came for in the first place.

Smartphones have changed the way customers and business owners interact. You no longer need to visit a store to inquire about a product when you can do so from the comfort of your home, using your smartphone. Using texting or social media messaging apps allows businesses to be accessible to customers, therefore gaining their trust and loyalty. If you’re not aware of the concept, here’s what you need to know about using texting/ messaging apps in your retail business.

You can use messaging apps as an effective marketing tool. For instance, you can send your latest special offers or discounts to your regular customers via text or direct messaging on Facebook.

While people often ignore sales emails, they do pay attention to what they receive in texts. There are many apps out there.

We have recently added Emotive as our text messaging app and Co-Pilot as a messaging bot on Facebook. We have already seen additional sales conversions as a result of these partnerships.

Automated Customer Service

Customers often have similar questions. For instance, they want to inquire about your operating hours, special offers, your return/exchange policy, etc. You can use a chatbot to give automated answers to such questions. Your retail store employees aren’t always available to respond to your customers, but the chatbots can reply instantly 24/7. If a customer asks a question that hasn’t been outlined as a FAQ (frequently asked question), the chatbot can direct it to any of your salespeople.

I don’t have the option to allow employees to work from home during the pandemic. How can I make them feel safe and get them to work efficiently through this pandemic?

A recent study by the Society of Human Resource Management has found that 65% of the employers consider keeping employee morale high a problem during the pandemic. If you’re facing this challenge, here’s some advice on how to keep employees motivated while they work on-site.

Lead From the Front

When times are tough, people need a leader to follow. Leaders need to be active, passionate, and engaged. Be present at your store, address concerns of your team, and encourage them at all times. Your presence will make your employees feel empowered and cared for, which will, in turn, increase their productivity.

Enhanced Marketing

Company-Owned Phones vs. Personal Phones

If your employees use texting as a means to communicate with customers and among themselves, you must give them company-owned phones. Using company-owned devices instead of personal smartphones is a better option because it makes your retail employees more vigilant towards the queries they receive from customers. Moreover, you can have them customized in any way you want and can install any third-party software, such as a custom-built messaging app. they feel safe at work and if they see areas that need improvement. If they raise a concern, address it the best way possible.

Reward Generously

Rewarding employees for their performance is one of the best ways to keep morale high. Set goals and reward them for achieving those goals. This can encourage them to work even harder.

A Final Word

It’s difficult to keep employee morale high during the pandemic, but it’s also necessary for businesses to perform well. To keep your employees motivated on work, you need to communicate and engage with them as a leader, care for them in every way you can, and reward them for their achievements, no matter how small they are.

Educate Employees

Not everyone knows how to protect themselves and others from viruses, so conduct training sessions and tell your employees how to stay safe while performing their duties. Don’t forget the importance of mental wellbeing so your workers can effectively perform their work and stay happy through these tough times.

Talk to Employees About Their Fears

Working during the COVID-19 pandemic can be risky. Your employees, especially those dealing with customers face-to-face, are at risk of getting the disease or carrying it home to their families. And they’re not only afraid for their health; they’re also afraid of losing their jobs from downsizing.

Communication Is Key

Good communication between the employer and their team is necessary. Interact with your employees frequently, asking if 8 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Jennifer Raines is a native Virginian who has owned five retail stores, opening her first at age 19. She has operated some form of her current business since 2005 and currently has a flagship store in Williamsburg, Va., called Quirks of Art, a website (www.kinksandquirks.com), and a strong social-media presence. Raines has won numerous honors, including “Top 40 Under 40,” Niche magazine’s “Top Retailer,” and a Women in Business Achievement Award.

S

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GROWN ON OUR 200 ACRE FARM

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Meadowbrooke Gourds

HAND-PICKED & WASHED

HAND-CRAFTED

BY A SMALL TEAM OF EXPERT CRAFTERS

125 POTATO ROAD • CARLISLE, PA 17015 717-776-3470 • MBGOURDS.COM • SALES@MBGOURDS.COM www.smart-retailer.com 9

NEW&NOTEWORTHY Swedish Dream Sea-Salt Hand Sanitizer

Handcrafted in small batches in the Ocean State (Rhode Island), this sanitizer is formulated with 65% ethyl alcohol (plant-based) to help kill germs and keep hands safe. A multipurpose spray, you can use this sanitizer along with a soft cloth to refresh commonly used surfaces like phone screens. Other key ingredients are de-ionized water, glycerine (vegetable), and sea-salt fragrance. No sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, synthetic color, or the wrong kind of alcohol.

Kalastyle www.kalastyle.com kalastyle@kalastyle.com 401-941-6288

Scented Mask Balm

Sometimes your mask needs a little freshening up. Perfectly sized for pocket or purse, this spa-like scented balm is the perfect way to freshen up that mask! Made with beeswax, avocado oil, and essential oils, you can apply this scented balm to the inside of the face mask for a lovely refreshing smell. And with no liquid, there’s no chance of any kind of fragranced catastrophe! Available in a variety of scents, these balms are made of all-natural ingredients and are safe to apply to skin. Hand-poured in Dallas, Texas.

Iron Bathtub Soap Dish

An old-school clawfoot bathtub design, this metal soap dish has painted black feet and a black rim to contrast its light gray finish. At 2” h. x 5.5” w. x 2.5” d., it’s the perfect size for holding bar soap.

Taylor Paladino taylorpaladino.com | sales@taylorpaladino.com 214-725-9988

Col House Designs www.colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com 800-777-1442

Goat’s Milk & Olive Oil Soap Bars & Display

The Grecian Soap Company’s new upgraded display is a perfect way to attract customers to check out the more than 25 available fragrances of these soaps. Handcrafted in the USA without parabens, sulfates, or other harsh chemicals, these soaps are extremely mild and great for all skin types. Retailers can mix standard goat’s-milk bars with 10% olive oil with bars that are 50% goat’s milk and 50% olive oil.

The Grecian Soap Company www.greciansoap.com steve@greciansoap.com | 951-339-8661

Zirconite Lariat Necklace This unique and versatile lariat necklace design is set with Zirconites every inch with two genuine baroque pearls.

Zirconmania Fashion Jewelry www.zirconmania.com jacob@zirconmania.com 213-236-0809

Field Guide Wildflower Kitchen Towel

Flour Sack Kitchen Towel made with 100% cotton. Hand screen-printed with hand-drawn watercolor accent and flower species names.

Peking Handicraft pkhc.com clo@pkhc.com | 650-871-3788

Natural Drink Mixes Fashion Face Masks

Reversible cotton face masks for children and adults focus on happy color and Robin Zingone’s modern prints to deliver smiles during a difficult time.

robinzingone robinzingone.com info@robinzingone.com 860-304-5404 10 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Wine-A-Rita is celebrating 15 years with all-new package designs and going natural — no artificial colors or flavors. Made in the USA with sugar and natural flavor.

Wine-a-Rita www.WineGlace.com info@wineglace.com 903-832-7309

NEW&NOTEWORTHY Silver Copper Branch Tree Fairy Lights

Light up a gorgeous table setting or create a lighted fairy woodland for an outdoor wedding.

Featuring six silver copper strands and one main cord with plug, these branch tree lights are like twinkling vines, easy to wrap around anything.

Has a central hanging point from which all silver copper wires originate. This allows you to hang and drape, insert into the ground or a planter, and wrap the lights upward or coil and lay out on tables, mantels, photo backdrops, or any other flat surface, making this more versatile than common fairy string lights.

Perfect Holiday www.theperfectco.com lbeltran@theperfectco.com 626-350-7007

Bum Bag With Matching Mask

This oversized bag wraps comfortably around the waist with an adjustable strap. Comfortable matching mask has adjustable strap. Comes in black, grey, and khaki colors.

Streamline Inc. www.streamlinenyc.com scott@streamlinenyc.com | 845-268-1000

TouchiePlus+ No Contact Touchscreen Tool

Touchie is a brand-new line of no-contact touch tools built specifically for retail. Designed to reduce skin-to-surface contact points in public, Touchie is available in over 45 patterns and a deep line of over 90 SKUs ready for merchandising.

Versatile Brands Inc. mytouchie.com dan@vtile.co | 613-868-5814

GirlyGoGarter

Waffleweave Towels

These new waffleweave towels from The Country House Collection combine function and style with a great price point.

The Country House Collection www.thecountryhousecollection.com wholesale@thecountryhouse.com 800-492-1784

Good Karma Miyuki Charm Bracelet

The bracelet’s sterling silver dipped charm includes a subtle antique finish and engraved good intention: Love Always Wins. The charm is attached to a sleek Japanese glass Miyuki bracelet with combinations of matte and pearlescent beads, and three sparkly rhinestones.

An embossed leather keychain is included with each bracelet.

Scout Curated Wears www.scoutcuratedwears.com support@scoutcuratedwears.com 413-349-9849 12 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

This beautiful lace leg garter does a lot more than look cute. Lined with comfy lingerie-quality microfiber that features patented latex-free GentleFlex Grippers, you’ll never need to use a garter belt. The GirlyGoGarter features two rows of easy-access and lock-flap pockets, to safely hold up to three pounds of your stuff, including medical devices such as an insulin pump, a phone (even big phones), passport, keys, credit cards, ID, makeup, and more.

Washable, stretches up to 4”, Velcro closure.

GirlyGoGarter by Andy Paige Style www.girlygogarter.com elena@girlygogarter.com 917-722-8150

Mata Organic Cotton Face Masks Made with 100% organic cotton, this soft and comfortable fabric is made with a 100-year-old weaving technique originated in eastern Thailand to provide a fabric with comfortable texture for the hot climate. These shaped masks are three layers with a pocket for a filter, making them highly breathable and protective.

Available in two colors: Natural Rice Field and Black Night Sky. Reusable and washable. Handmade by villagers in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Amata LLC matausa.com info@matausa.com | 347-541-6282

DISCOVER. CONNECT. INSPIRE. The Premier Gift, Décor & Lifestyle Market

Showrooms: January 12–19, 2021 Temporaries: January 13 –17, 2021

PHOTOS: FRINGE STUDIO, ACCENT DECOR TO THE TRADE | © 2020 International Market Centers, LLC

Register Now at AmericasMart.com/Jan @AmericasMartATL | #AtlMkt

NEW&NOTEWORTHY Cotton Bandana

These 100% cotton bandanas are lightweight and breathable — wear as a headband, on a ponytail, around your neck, tied on a bag, or as a makeshift face covering.

Available in four brand-new original prints.

Banded banded2gether.cameoez.com orders@banded2gether.com 615-628-8159

Bolli & Fritz Soap

Good Night Monster Gift Set

A storybook written by Ruth Austin and illustrated by Katie Harnett introduces Monster and relates its evening adventures.

When it’s time for bed, tuck the plush Monster in with your child for added comfort or pose him wherever your child wants a lookout while they sleep. For kids ages 3 to 6. Includes a plush, a storybook, a letter to your child, and tips for grownups on how to use Monster to manage emotions.

Compendium www.live-inspired.com annie@compendiuminc.com | 206-812-1640

Essential Oil Roll-Ons

Perfect for on-the-go aromatherapy! Compact and convenient, these rollons create a long-lasting aromatherapy experience wherever you take them.

These essential oil blends are vegan and cruelty-free, ecofriendly, and all-natural.

Stylish and playful bars of small-batch, cold-process soap lovingly crafted in the USA. Gentle moisture and lather that lasts, with a little flair (and sometimes glitter) to make every wash fresh and fun! Eco-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free. All-natural color.

Bolli & Fritz wholesale.hydrabrands.com orders@bolliandfritz.com 859-912-7123

Dish Towels

This new collection of “punny” fruit and vegetable dish towels feature digitally printed designs and embroidered sentiment.

Primitives By Kathy www.primitivesbykathy.com gminnich@primitivesbykathy.com 866-295-2849

hydraAromatherapy wholesale.hydrabrands.com orders@hydrabrands.com 859-785-8500

Travel Keg

The DrinkTanks Travel Keg is a 64 oz. growler with a Keg Cap accessory kit that turns the growler into a personal minikeg. It maintains carbonation and allows you to recharge as needed with no need to open the growler to dispense, providing a perfect pour anywhere, every time.

Nicholas Hill www.drinktanks.com nicholas@drinktanks.com 541-728-5579

14 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Handmade Wool Ornaments

New designs include the Scarecrow, Wicked Witch, and Doctor Fauci.

Silk Road Bazaar thesilkroadbazaar.com andrew@thesilkroadbazaar.com 973-337-7944

Beautifully

b ra n ded

See your brand come to life with custom printed bags, gift wrap, tissue, gift tags, labels and more.

©2020

800-547-9727 | NASHVILLEWRAPS.COM/SMR

www.smart-retailer.com 15

Winter Show Preview

T

he COVID-19 pandemic created a major disruption to the show schedule in 2020, forcing numerous cancellations and postponements in the spring and early summer, but the industry is resilient and flexible. Shows have reinstituted physical shows with in-depth precautions for sanitizing, social distancing, etc. For more information on each show’s policies and show schedule, check their websites for the most current information and updates. Many shows are offering digital shopping opportunities for those who choose not to attend in person, but retailers who can attend shows in person will find great benefit in seeing merchandise in person and in networking with vendors and other retailers.

DALLAS TOTAL HOME & GIFT MARKET Temporaries Open January 6–9 Apparel & Accessories January 13–16 Lightovation January 7–10 Dallas, TX Dallas Market Center www.dallasmarketcenter.com Follow us @dallasmarket #dallasmarket

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW?

• This summer, Dallas Market Center hosted very successful wholesale trade events. Attendance was strong, 97% of showrooms were open, the show featured the only Temps neighborhoods, and order writing was consistent.

• Comprehensive health and safety measures remain in place, including mandatory temperature checks and face coverings.

More than 32,000 temperature checks were conducted this summer.

• The marketplace has natural design features for social distancing including wide hallways,

16 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

m ultiple escalators, large atriums, and quick entry with the Market FastPass.

•L ots of showrooms have in-stock and quick-ship items, which meet the immediate need of retailers.

•D allas is the most complete marketplace for unique products and new items that stand out including artisan, one-of-a-kind, and American Made.

•T ravel value is also important. Dallas has the lowest travel costs of any major market and exclusive hotel rates when booked through DMC Market Travel.

• The annual ARTS Awards is being replaced for January 2021 by the HEARTS Awards, a special event honoring companies and individuals who went above and beyond during the pandemic.

•D allas is the home of Lightovation, the largest residential lighting trade event in North America, January 7-10 with a new date pattern of Thursday to Sunday.

Dallas is the first market of the year so you can get a head start on product debuts, trends, and best-sellers. It’s also a safe marketplace, balancing good business with good health. DMC hosted multiple events in the summer, which welcomed buyers from 47 states including many new buyers who chose Dallas as a marketplace where they could see more products and get business done quickly, efficiently, and with confidence. For 2021, DMC will continue to offer important reasons to welcome more new buyers — it’s a show that offers a safe experience but also an inspiring and productive experience. Tens of thousands of gift and home décor lines from artisan and handmade to on-trend and fashionable lines are located within one convenient, easy-to-shop campus.

Photos courtesy of The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND?

THE ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL GIFT AND HOME FURNISHINGS MARKET January 12-19, 2021 (Temporaries January 13-17, 2021) Atlanta, GA, AmericasMart Atlanta www.AtlantaMarket.com Follow us @AmericasMartATL on Facebook & Twitter and on Instagram #ATLMKT

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW?

• Depth and breadth of product offerings with 8,000+ resources in children’s/juvenile, made in America, gift, tabletop and entertaining, home décor, gourmet foods, holiday/seasonal, gardens/outdoor/patio, paper/stationery, personal care/spa products and apparel and accessories.

• 1,000+ permanent showrooms complemented by 3,000+ temporaries showcasing a range of gift, home décor, gourmet, tabletop, seasonal and fashion merchandise, presented in a modified format that allows for social distancing and traffic management.

• Atlanta Market’s new website is a hub of information and planning tools exclusive to the semi-annual market as well as a highly improved brand and product search. The website’s Exhibitor Directory and Catalog Connexion enables product discovery, with links to hundreds of brands available for immediate purchase through ShopZio’s B2B ecommerce marketplace.

• Virtual educational webinars will emulate at-market seminars with educational information about trends, business best practices, market preparation and more.

• IMC’s Market Snapshot will showcase favorite new products as well as best sellers from coast to coast. www.smart-retailer.com 17

Photos courtesy of The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market

•T he Market will observe best-in-class safety procedures, including the required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), temporal monitoring, social distancing, occupancy control, hand sanitizing/cleansing, and significantly. enhanced housekeeping protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. Find details at IMC’s TogetherSafely.com.

•P lanning tools include the AmericasMart App, which features turn-by-turn directions in addition to scheduling capabilities, and the Atlanta Market Magazine, which features new interactive tools.

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND?

Atlanta Market is the industry’s premier gift, décor, and lifestyle market, housing the nation’s largest gift product mix. plemented by a broad selection of home décor.

HERITAGE MARKETS CASH & CARRY WHOLESALE SHOW

January 21, 2021, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wilmington, OH, at the Roberts Center www.heritagemarkets.com shows@heritagemarkets.com 248-634-4151

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW? • Features artisans with unique and one-of-a-kind repurposed treasures, handcrafted items, and some selected imports.

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND? Heritage Markets venues have become one of the top places to buy one-of-a-kind handmade merchandise in the United States.

Buyers must be pre-approved and have valid buyer badges to be admitted to shop.

LAS VEGAS WINTER MARKET January 24 – 28, 2021 Las Vegas, NV, World Market Center Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com Follow us @lasvegasmarket #lvmkt

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW?

• 4 ,300+ resources, featuring hundreds of lines across all furniture, gift, and home décor categories.

• Easy-to-navigate, efficient, and compelling market destination in one of the most exciting, accessible, and affordable cities in the country.

• The new, state-of-the-art Expo at World Market Las Vegas will house the market’s temporary gift and home exhibits for the first time this winter.

18 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Photos courtesy of Las Vegas Market

• Comprehensive online tools including the Las Vegas Market website and LVMKT Market Planner. The website’s Exhibitor Directory enables product discovery, with links to 270+ brands available for immediate purchase through ShopZio’s B2B ecommerce marketplace.

• Market-exclusive FIRST LOOK trends program showcasing key consumer influences.

• IMC’s Market Snapshot will showcase favorite new products as well as best sellers from coast to coast.

• Las Vegas Market will observe best-in-class safety procedures, including the required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), temporal monitoring, social distancing, occupancy control, hand sanitizing/cleansing, and significantly enhanced housekeeping protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. Find details at IMC’s TogetherSafely.com.

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND?

Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western United States. In more than 5 million square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition space, buyers can access 4,300+ resources in product categories including gift, fashion accessories, housewares, tabletop, specialty food, stationery, toy, lifestyle, personal care, vintage and antique, handcrafts, home décor, and casual/outdoor, as well as furniture, bedding, lighting, and flooring.

PHILADELPHIA GIFT SHOW January 31- February 3, 2021 Oaks, PA, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center www.philadelphiagiftshow.com Follow us @PhillyGiftShow #PhillyGiftShow

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW?

• Admission is free for qualified buyers.

• Online registration confirmations can be sent via e-mail, then scanned with onsite readers so badges can be printed in seconds on site.

• J anuary 2021 Product Preview Guide to be available in November at www.philadelphiagiftshow.com/product-preview-guide • Daily schedule of programs, hospitality, and events including show specials and free food!

• Discounted hotel rooms and free Expo Center parking.

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND?

The Philadelphia Gift Show is a mid-Atlantic regional show that’s the place to see the top brands, the newest intros, and breaking trends. It’s also great for scouting out regional resources and local specialties that can’t be found elsewhere. Buyers can find everything from giftware, decor, tabletop, and fashion accessories, to toys and games, resort and souvenir products, candy and gourmet items, designer/artisan crafts, and much more. This January, the Philadelphia Gift Show will co-locate with the Philadelphia Souvenir & Resort Expo for even more buying opportunities. www.smart-retailer.com 19

NY NOW Digital Market February 4–12, 2021 (nynow.com/DigitalMarket) In Person Event February 7–10, 2021 New York, NY, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center www.nynow.com Follow us @ny_now on Instagram and @nynowmarket on Twitter #NYNOW

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW?

• Make your store a destination with distinction by attending NY NOW®‘s winter 2021 market.

• Explore an in-depth selection of handmade products.

• New diogital market with platform tutorial available.

• Discover hundreds of thousands of products across collections of home, lifestyle and handmade, and find gift, personal care, stationery, décor, and more.

• The winter market is your destination for inspiration and innovation and where you’ll find the hottest trends and emerging styles to elevate your business past your competition.

Access everything you save in the Planner from the mobile app before, during, and after the show.

•T he Pennsylvania Convention Center is easily accessible by car, train, taxi, regional rail at Jefferson Station, and bus.

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND? American Handcrafted is the largest handmade wholesale show in the U.S. A lively, creative, and innovative environment, the Philadelphia market connects galleries and specialty wholesale buyers with 500 unique North American artists.

ADIRONDACK BUYER DAYS

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND?

• NY NOW is where innovators and elevated designers come to share their newest creative visions in fashion, gift, handmade, home, sustainability, wellness, and more. Exclusive product launches and exhibitors you can’t find anywhere else because NYC is where brands gain credibility.

AMERICAN HANDCRAFTED PHILADELPHIA February 13-15, 2021 Philadelphia, PA, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center www.americanhandcraftedshow.com Allison.Garafalo@EmeraldX.com 914-421-3212

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW? • American Handcrafted® Philadelphia is a juried marketplace showcasing established artists representing all mediums, along with new and up-and-coming makers from the contemporary maker movement.

• Connect with 500 unique North American artists.

• Product categories include accessories, candles, craft food and beverage, garden/outdoors, home décor, jewelry, oneof-a-kind gifts, personal care, sculpture, stationery, tabletop, toys and puzzles, wearables, and more!

• Industry education opportunities.

• Connect™ Show Planner online tool helps registered attendees prepare for the show in advance and is an excellent resource both during and after the show. With the Planner, visitors can view exhibitors and products at the show, schedule appointments with exhibitors, message exhibitors directly, preview products in the online product gallery, save favorite products so you can find them at the show, save show specials, review exhibitor press releases, and locate exhibitors on the floor plan.

20 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

April 20–21, 2021 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saratoga Springs City Center, Saratoga Springs, NY www.adirondack.org/Adirondack_Buyer_Days

WHAT’S SMART ABOUT THIS SHOW?

• ANCA is growing the region’s New Economy by strengthening connections between small businesses and new markets.

Adirondack Buyer Days supports local makers and the retailers who purchase their goods — creating a stronger, more resilient economy for Adirondack North Country communities.

• ANCA’s juried wholesale gift show offers the best handmade gifts and specialty foods from around the region, New York State, and beyond! Adirondack Buyer Days offers a great opportunity for retailers to buy directly from artisans, meet the producers, and learn the stories of their unique wares.

WHY IS IT SMART TO ATTEND?

•T he two-day show takes place at the Saratoga Springs City Center in historic Saratoga Springs, New York.

•A dirondack Buyer Days is free for retailers! Please preregister for this unique opportunity to personally connect with regional makers of high-quality, handmade gifts.

• Are you a retailer looking for high-quality, locally produced gift items to fill your store shelves? Sign up to be part of Adirondack Buyer Days, a juried wholesale gift show that connects regional makers and buyers of a variety of gift products.

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Smart Retailer magazine’s one and only goal is to help your gift business succeed.

Did you know that you can subscribe for

FREE? www.smart-retailer.com 855-367-4819

TRENDWATCH

Valentine’s & St. Patrick’s Day GIFTS & DÉCOR 1

1. “Love” Staggered Block

Freestanding wood sitter features distressed white paint and natural wooden edges for a vintage finish. It’s cut into a staggered block design and reads “All you need is love” in black lettering. 3.5" h. x 10" w. x .75" d.

Col House Designs www.colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com } 800-777-1442

2. “Love Grows Here” Stacked Books

Wood accessory shaped like a stack of books is bound with a jute string tied with a bow. Features a cream finish and reads “Love Grows Here” in black lettering. 2.5" h. x 8" w. x 4" d.

3

Col House Designs www.colhousedesigns.com custserv@colhousedesigns.com | 800-777-1442

2

3. Metal Puffy Heart Ornaments

These graywashed puffed metal heart ornaments have a weathered, distressed finish. Includes a jute cord hanger. Two sizes: 6" h. x 6.5" w. x 1" d. and 3.5" h. x 3.75" w. x .5" d.

CWI Gifts www.shopcwi.com sales@shopcwi.com | 800-666-5858

4. “Better Together” Box Sign

A freestanding print of three cows with bells around their necks and the phrase “better together” in script lettering. The sign’s flat base is perfect for display on a mantel, shelf, or tabletop. 13.75" w. x 2" d. x 9" h.

The Hearthside Collection www.thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com 877-918-1433

4

5

5. “Love Dwells Here” Timer Pillar

This pillar candle features a grungy textured wax coating on the outside and a smooth wax coating on the inside with a flame-shaped amber light bulb. Timer feature allows candle to be on for 6 hours and off for 18 hours. 3" x 4.5".

The Hearthside Collection www.thehearthsidecollection.com contact@thehearthsidecollection.com 877-918-1433

6. Valentine Packaging

Make their hearts skip a beat with new Valentine’sinspired designs. Hearts on gift wrap and basket boxes with coordinating essentials will make the holiday sweet!

6 22 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Nashville Wraps www.NashvilleWraps.com info@nashvillewraps.com | 800-547-9727

www.smart-retailer.com 23

TRENDWATCH 7. “Love You” Standing Quote Plaque Fine pewter quote plaque, boxed.

Basic Spirit www.basicspirit.com sales@basicspirit.com 902-243-3390

7

8. Sari Twist Heart Chime

8

This upcycled metal hanging bell chime displays six handcrafted copper bells in a dual heart setting with an upcycled sari twist hanging loop.

Matr Boomie wholesale.matrboomie.com mbsales@matrboomie.com 512-535-5228

9

9. Copper/Silver Puff Heart Pendant Nickel-free pendant necklace. Comes in elegant floral giftable packaging.

Howard’s, Inc. wholesale.howardsinc.com customercare@howardsinc.com 952-474-1400

10. “The Perfect Hideaway” Print

“The Perfect Hideaway” 16" x 12" print. Also available on canvas and wood products; select images are available as large format giclée prints.

10

Penny Lane Fine Art & Licensing www.pennylanepublishing.com info@pennylanepublishing.com 937-849-1101

11. Beaded Heart Charm Bracelet

Made from hypoallergenic metal, this beaded stretch bracelet features a hammered heart charm.

Caracol www.caracol.ca info@caracol.ca 866-622-7226

11 12

12. Chihuahua Heart Ornament

This heart-shaped porcelain ornament features art

by Mary Badenhop on one side and a “Heartbeats at my feet” verse motif on other side. Available with more than 30 dog breed designs as well as cat designs. 3" x 2.8". Made in the USA.

Pipsqueak Productions pipsqueakproductions.com sales@pipsqueakproductions.com 888-747-9054

13. Blown-Glass Container

Handmade mouth-blown Pyrex glass with real gold etch.

13

14

Egyptian Museum www.egyptianmuseum44.com egyptianmuseum44@msn.com 732-564-0830

14. Fine Crystal Bangle Bracelet

This flexible bangle bracelet is made from memory wire.

Zirconmania Fashion Jewelry www.zirconmania.com jacob@zirconmania.com 213-236-0809 24 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

20_1855_Smart_Retailer_DEC Mod: August 27, 2020 11:49 AM Print: 09/24/20 12:54:30 PM page 1 v7

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uline.com www.smart-retailer.com 25

TRENDWATCH 15. Scented Soy Candles

Chocolates, candy, and fine wine are the perfect pairing for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the rich aroma of these 100% pure soy candle scents: merlot, shiraz, champagne, chocolate ganache, and red hot cinnamon.

15

Sydney Candle Co. sydneycandle.com sydneycandle@gmail.com 330-638-2336

16. Troika Lucky Charm Keychain You can never have enough good luck!

A four-leaf clover, a shiny horseshoe, and a heart on this extra-large keyring are your keys to never-ending luck.

Adept24 Business Solutions Inc. adept24.com marketing@adept24.com

16

17. Jackpot Greeting Card

“I Hit the Jackpot with You” design.

Rifle Paper Co. www.riflepaperco.com wholesale@riflepaperco.com

17

18. Pitmasters Pack

18

Turn your Valentine into a BBQ master with a gift pack of Old Arthur’s award-winning sauces and rubs. Crafted from family recipes that have been passed down for five generations, the gift pack contains two bottles of Old Arthur’s Original Barbeque Sauce and one bottle of Hot & Spicy Sauce, plus six signature dry rubs: Smokestack, Righteous Poultry, Stockyard Steak, Gold Dust, Bootleg, and Crossroads.

Old Arthur’s www.OldArthurs.com eudell4@oldarthurs.com 224-287-5417

19. Pink Heart Earrings

1930s Depression glass kiln-fired and repurposed for these pink heart sterling silver earrings.

Peppermint Charms www.peppermintcharms.com momantha24@comcast.net 360-521-7754

20 19

20. Valentine Hanging Banner

Beautifully crafted with quality printed artwork on textured heavy canvas. Comes with hanging twine and wooden dowel.

Petal Lane petallane.com griffin@petallane.com 435-896-9531

21. My Valentine Bucket Set Bucket set featuring cute, retroinspired designs and sentiments.

21 26 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Primitives By Kathy www.primitivesbykathy.com gminnich@primitivesbykathy.com 866-295-2849

22

SOURCING MADE SIMPLE

22.“Love” Hook Pillow

This 12" x 5" pillow is hooked with 100% wool with a 100% cotton velvet backing. Blow-filled insert.

Skillfully handcrafted by artisans.

Peking Handicraft pkhc.com clo@pkhc.com | 650-871-3788

23

23. ‘I Wrote a Book About Us’ Fill-in Book Capture the details of your love story in this unique fill-in book. With playful prompts like, “I will never get tired of the way we________,” you’ll create a keepsake gift that celebrates all the amazing things that make your “us” so special. Written by M.H. Clark and illustrated by Justine Edge.

Compendium www.live-inspired.com annie@compendiuminc.com 206-812-1640

24. Valentine’s Day Greeting Cards

24

Choose from sweet and silly sentiments in these 5" x 7" greeting cards.

Shade Tree Greetings www.shadetreegreetings.com info@shadetreegreetings.com 800-836-4206

Join us January 24 – 28, 2021 LasVegasMarket.com | @lasvegasmarket FE ATURED LINE: Gold Leaf Design Group • ©2020 International Market Centers, LLC

Perfect for every occasion

1.888.427.3235 • www.windandwillow.com •

/windandwillowfoods

www.smart-retailer.com 27

TRENDWATCH 25. Rose Quartz Wrap

Soft buttery vegan suede and rich semiprecious rose quartz with silver findings can be wrapped three times as a bracelet, or adjust the sliding magnetic clasp to wear as a necklace.

25

Scout Curated Wears www.scoutcuratedwears.com support@scoutcuratedwears.com 413-349-9849

26. “It Was Always You” Dish Towel A rustic-inspired cotton dish towel featuring love-themed sentiment and designs.

Primitives By Kathy www.primitivesbykathy.com gminnich@primitivesbykathy.com 866-295-2849

26

27. St. Patrick’s Garden Flag

Garden flag featuring rustic St. Patrick’s Daythemed shamrock icons and sentiment. Weatherresistant and double-sided with an opening for hanging on garden flagpole (sold separately).

27

Primitives By Kathy www.primitivesbykathy.com gminnich@primitivesbykathy.com 866-295-2849

28

28. Lucky Knits Bling Beanie

Paddy-approved pride for parades, parties, and all season long! A classic knit beanie bedazzled with sparkling stones. Two styles to choose from: Kelly green with silver “Irish” or black with green-and-silver shamrock.

Ships in free 24-piece counter display.

DM Merchandising www.247dm.com sales@dmmerch.com 800-548-6784

29

29. Piggy Luck Napkins

Piggy Luck St. Patrick’s Day three-ply cocktail and lunch napkins with matching pocket tissue. Made in Germany.

Boston International www.bostoninternational.com wwalker@bostoninternational.com 802-906-9563

30. Valentine Angel

Porcelain alabaster angels in 8” and 6.25” sizes.

Boston International www.bostoninternational.com wwalker@bostoninternational.com 802-906-9563

30

31. Love Bugs

31

28 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Let these 8” Love Bugs express your feelings. Comes in an assortment of two characters: Honey Bee and Lady Love.

Cuddle Barn www.cuddle-barn.com cbsales@cuddle-barn.com 888-883-1885

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Fine Pewter Gifts Handmade.10% of profits fund charitable projects.

Basic Spirit www.basicspirit.com sales@basicspirit.com 1-877-245-3821

No hints. With masks, we all know we stink. Show them love with Mask Balm.

Taylor Paladino taylorpaladino.com ben@taylorpaladino.com 214-725-9988

Licensed seasonal designs from nationally known American artisans, ESC and Company, Inc. www.escandcompany.com a.jordan@escandcompany.com 614-794-0568

All Natural Wine Slushie Mix. Nine flavors, make in a blender or freezer.

Wine-A-Rita www.WineGlace.com info@wineglace.com 903- 832-7309

Introducing the 2021 Christmas Collection!

Pre-orDer toDay! early buy enDs 3/31/21

Handcrafted Gifts & Decorations Since 1934

339 Daniel Webster HigHWay, MereDitH, nH 03253 annalee.coM 800-258-4647 custoMerservice@annalee.coM www.smart-retailer.com  29

Weddings & Gift Shops A Match Made in Heaven Pearl Collection in White

Inspired by the richness of 18th- and 19th-century European ceramics, the round shapes, beautifully embossed with a beaded edge, were reinvented to create a new classic concept. Brings a touch of European traditional elegance to the table that will never go out of style.

Glass Set

Set of two handmade clear iridescent glasses.

Costa Nova www.costa-nova.com office@costa-nova.com | 845-277-5700

Glass Decanter

Elegant handmade iridescent glass decanter with very deep and clean etch and real gold.

Egyptian Museum www.egyptianmuseum44.com egyptianmuseum44@msn.com 732-564-0830

Fairy Light Curtain Ball Mason Jar Jewelry

Repurposed from circa 1923-1933 Ball Mason Jars, use this glass jewelry for your something blue!

Peppermint Charms www.peppermintcharms.com momantha24@comcast.net 360-521-7754 30 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Troika Little King Little Queen Keychains

This little royal couple gives your keyring a piece of charming elegance.

Lovely gift for newlyweds.

Adept24 Business Solutions Inc. marketing@adept24.com

Delicate and bright, these curtain fairy lights resemble the twinkling of stars in the night sky.

Hang from trees for a magical look or drape over a wooden backdrop for a bohemian wedding. Features 300 warm white LED lights on 12 bendable silver copper strands with ULrated two-prong plug.

Perfect Holiday www.theperfectco.com lbeltran@theperfectco.com | 626-350-7007

Sho Bra & Mo

4600 S. HAMILTON RD. GROVEPORT, OH 43125 COLHOUSEDESIGNS.COM | 800.777.1442

Shop Col House Designs for New Home Accents & More!

“Of All the Walks” Matted Photo Frame

Classic hinged wood design features a silver heart attachment and a sentiment that captures the emotion of this special day.

4" x 6".

Malden International Designs www.malden.com websales@malden.com 800-426-3578

Rosewood Tablet and Book Stand Wedding Wishes Glass Jar

Have family and friends place their wedding wishes in the jar, creating a beautiful memento of your wedding day. Each set includes a hand-crafted glass jar with wooden lid and 250 champagne-foil wedding wish cards. 11" h. x 6" d.

Gratitude Glass Jars www.gratitudeglassjars.com claire@gratitudeglassjars.com | 646-331-9864

This gorgeous and practical tablet and book easel features a floral mandala cutwork design. Hand-carved from ethically sourced Indian rosewood.

Matr Boomie wholesale.matrboomie.com mbsales@matrboomie.com 512-535-5228 www.smart-retailer.com 31

Champagne Tower “Cheers” Wedding Card Celebrate weddings and anniversaries with a festive greeting card. A blank interior lets your handwritten note take center stage.

Rifle Paper Co. www.riflepaperco.com wholesale@riflepaperco.com

Wood and Anchor His/Hers Plaque This whitewashed driftwood wall décor and key holder makes a great gift, especially for a housewarming or a beach wedding.

Beachcombers Coastal Life www.beachcomberscoastallife.com orders@bccoastallife.com | 800-237-7080

“In Case You Get Cold Feet” Socks

Colorfully printed socks with a fun, wedding-themed sentiment.

Primitives By Kathy www.primitivesbykathy.com gminnich@primitivesbykathy.com 866-295-2849

Vinglacé Bottle Insulator

The Vinglacé bottle insulator is made of stainless steel, double walled, and vacuum insulated, to keep your wine, champagne, and sparkling water chilled for hours.

Beautiful gift box included.

Wine Bottle Cork Ejector

This patented cork ejector uses a low-pressure inert gas cartridge to pop the cork gently and effortlessly from wine bottle without affecting the flavor of the wine. Designed to fit all traditional wine bottles as well as flanged lip bottles.

Comes with a cartridge that will open approximately 60 to 80 bottles of wine. Refill cartridges available.

Cork Pops www.corkpops.com info@corkpops.com 800-322-6757

Vinglace, LLC www.vinglace.com retailaccounts@vinglace.com | 832-729-9463

Mirage/Gold Scout Wrap

Quilled Wedding Bells Greeting Card

A handcrafted greeting card using the art of quilling. Includes a blank insert for your own personal message. Certified Fair Trade Federation Member. 6" x 6".

Quilling Card www.quillingcard.com orders@quillingcard.com | 508-405-2888 32 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Made with crystal beads and etched metal findings, this can be worn wrapped six to seven times for a bracelet or one to three times for a necklace. “Every step you have taken in your life has led you here, now” is printed on the packaging.

Scout Curated Wears www.scoutcuratedwears.com support@scoutcuratedwears.com 413-349-9849

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Friso and Pearl are a new classic concept of traditional elegance and style.

Costa Nova www.costa-nova.com matth@casafinagifts.com 845-277-5700

The Vintage Pearl creates jewelry that is simple, unique, and meaningful!

The Vintage Pearl www.tvpwholesale.com info@tvpwholesale.com 918-935-2728

Wedding Guest Book

This book invites guests to share a memory, wish, thought, or story on your special day.

Creates a keepsake to cherish. Features foil stamping and gilded pages.

Wedding Celebration Napkins

“Here’s to Love Laughter and Happily Ever After” printed in gold on white three-ply cocktail and lunch napkins. Perfect for that special occasion. Made in Germany.

Boston International www.bostoninternational.com wwalker@bostoninternational.com 802-906-9563

Bridal Collection Glasses

Keep it light and keep the wedding party laughing with the four glasses from this bridal collection. These 16 oz. wine glasses have a perfect pour line at 6 oz. in metallic platinum ink. Four designs: “Bridezilla,” “I DID?!,” “Til Closing,” and “Wedded Blitzed.” Also available as 10 oz. rocks glasses with a 2 oz. pour line.

Made in the USA.

Pourtions Just Right www.pourtionsjustright.com mary@pourtions.net 914-719-2428

Compendium www.live-inspired.com annie@compendiuminc.com 206-812-1640

Bangle Wristlet/Wallet Gold finish bangle wristlet/ wallet with a tassel zipper.

Jen & Co. www.bufordwholesale.com marketing@jencohandbag.com 470-395-4822

Ann Scott Design “Happy Days” Card

Cover: “Happy Days Mr. Mrs.” Inside: “Wishing you a Lifetime of Happiness.” 5" x 7".

Shade Tree Greetings www.shadetreegreetings.com info@shadetreegreetings.com 800-836-4206

www.smart-retailer.com 33

Clean Up on Sales:

Soaps, Balms, Lotions, and More Exfoliating Luffa Soaps

Available in tons of beautiful scents for him and her. Goat’s milk soap encases a natural luffa for the perfect exfoliating experience.

Great for rough heels and feet!

Handcrafted Soaps Skin-loving goodness, made with moisturizing olive oil, shea butter, and other sustainably sourced ingredients your skin and your nose will love.

Old Town Soap Co. oldtownsoapco.com oldtownsoapco@yahoo.com 704-796-8775

Scented Body Butters

Whipped body butters scented with essential oils like lavender, citrus, and vanilla are a delightful treat for the senses and will leave skin feeling smooth, moisturized, and soft. Non-greasy and fast-absorbing.

Brosily Bath and Body www.brosilybathandbody.com info@brosilybathandbody.com | 203-228-2615

Top Shelf Luxury Lotions

Roll-On Perfumes

Great for people who like a soft, subtle scent instead of an overpowering alcohol-based spray. Roll-ons are great for on-the-go lifestyles.

Mixologie wholesale.mymixologie.com wholesale@mymixologie.com | 866-731-4169 34 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Luxury Body Wash

The ultimate shower experience — lather up in moisturizing and fragrant formulas.

When the #1 ingredient is aloe vera juice (not water), you know you’ve got a skin-quencher on your hands! Filled with luxurious moisturizers like shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil, and more.

Old Town Soap Co.

oldtownsoapco.com 704-796-8775 • oldtownsoapco@yahoo.com Handcrafted in China Grove, North Carolina

Sign up online at www.smart-retailer.com or call 855-367-4819 to receive your FREE subscription. www.smart-retailer.com 35

Twilight White Metal Wall Plug Diffuser

Essential oil wall-plug diffusers deliver aromatherapy without the need to add water. Two modes allow you to customize your fragrance experience. Rotating metal prongs guarantee you can use your unit in every outlet in every room. A nightlight with three brightness levels ensures that your diffuser is as functional as it is beautiful.

Comet White Glass Ultrasonic Diffuser The Teardrop collection introduces a new take on classic diffuser shapes while maintaining style and sophistication. The new shape allows for 8 hours continuous / 16 hours intermittent run time in addition to the 60-, 90- and 120-minute timer modes. Seven rotating or fixed LED lights add ambiance to any room.

Simply add water and the essential oil of your choice, then turn it on.

Serene House USA Inc. www.serenehouseusa.com sales@serenehouseusa.com | 856-673-4117

Soap & Boosted Balm Combo Pack

A bar of You Must Be Dreamin’ soap with a tin of boosted balm in one pack. Soap features ground pumice and sage for a light yet prominent exfoliating sensation along with the calming and grounding scents of lavender, rosemary, and litsea essential oils. Its salve counterpart features anti-viral essential oils such as eucalyptus and tea tree, coupled with ultranourishing neem oil, is sure to wake you up from any bad dream.

Denali Dreams Soap Co www.denalidreams.com denalidreamssoapco@gmail.com | 907-222-2644

Mata Herbal Inhaler

This palm-sized natural inhaler is infused with a restorative blend of seven tropical herbs, hand-picked and sun-dried in Thailand. Spicy black pepper, invigorating menthol, and energizing clove boost your mood with a bright, vibrant scent.

Offers instant relief of nasal congestion, seasonal allergy, or dizziness, or for an energy boost that clears your sinuses and mind.

Ingredients: clove, camphor, black pepper, borneol, logusticum root, mace, menthol. 2.85 gm.

Everyday Adventure Multiband

Keep hair in check and protect your face and neck with this soft, flexible-fit accessory that can be worn 12 ways and is conveniently infused with UPF 30. Perfect for both outdoor and indoor activities, the multiband also works great as a cover for medical grade and other protective masks.

DM Merchandising www.247dm.com sales@dmmerch.com 800-548-6784 36 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Mata Massage and Skin Healing Balm

Massage sore muscles and soothe itchy insect bites with this massage balm crafted by hand in Thailand with eight hand-picked tropical herbs that support faster healing and instant, topical pain relief. Pure coconut oil acts as a natural preservative for the herbs and delivers softening hydration to irritated skin. 100% vegan-friendly, alcohol-free, fragrancefree, cruelty-free. Ingredients: aloe vera, barleria lupulina, beach morning glory, betel leaf, camphor, clinacanthus nutan lindau, coconut oil, crinum veld lily, garden quinine, menthol, paraffin, petrolatum, zingiber cassumunar. 30 gm.

Amata LLC matausa.com | info@matausa.com |347-541-6282

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

DEEP BREATH DESIGNS Beautiful products created with LOVE! Deep Breath Designs deepbreathdesigns.com lisa@deepbreathdesigns.com 520-616-0235

Our unique goats milk and olive oil soaps have a natural sea sponge built in!

The Grecian Soap Company www.greciansoap.com steve@greciansoap.com 951-339-8661

Farm Fresh, Goat Milk Skincare - Handmade & Hand Milked in Montana Windrift Hill Inc Conrad, MT www.windrifthill.com

Quality and handcrafted fragrance and personal care goods, made in the USA. K. Hall Studio www.khallstudio.com sales@khallstudio.com 855-819-3397

Be Kind Guided Journal

Shower Bursts

Transform a shower into an aromatherapy experience. Easy to use, Shower Bursts are made with all-natural ingredients and pure essential oils.

Offered in classic and modern essential oil blends. Vegan and cruelty-free, ecofriendly, and all-natural.

hydraAromatherapy wholesale.hydrabrands.com orders@hydrabrands.com 859-785-8500

Chill Pills

Fun, fizzy and moisturizing!

Available in a wide range of scents and colors for your every mood, Bolli & Fritz Chill Pills make every bath better with moisturizing sweet almond oil that leaves skin feeling soft. Handmade in the USA and cruelty-free. Two baths per Chill Pill.

Bolli & Fritz wholesale.hydrabrands.com orders@bolliandfritz.com 859-912-7123

Written by Ruth Austin and designed

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Branding Your Store to Increase Sales

BY FLORA DELANEY

E

very store needs an update about every five to seven years to stay relevant and inviting. A fresh storefront and key interior changes can improve store awareness and increase foot traffic. In light of COVID-19, as people seek to repeat past habits, a fresh, friendly store will draw them in. To brand your store and update its image, focus on the exterior, interior, and digital image your store and your employees project.

First, revisit your key strategy. It could be friendly service, designer selections, or locally made items. Make sure every element of your brand reinforces that key strategy. Remember to focus on one message, then put every branding element to work to support it. If the focus is local products, consider “Made in Ohio” or “made 18 miles away” signs. If it’s friendly service, require employees to introduce themselves with their first name to each customer they serve. Branding is more than just signs or logos; it’s every touchpoint with your prospects and customers.

Nine Ways to Improve Your Store Image • Update Exterior Awning and Signs.

A new awning with an updated logo can go a long way toward giving your store a “grand opening” impression. Begin by looking at your storefront and address peeling paint or a dirty entryway. Make sure lights are in working order. Remove 38 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

old decals, stickers, and posters. Then consider using a custom glass decal with your store logo and hours in a new color to attract attention. Awnings and signs are like media advertisements that are on 24/7.

• Add Curbside Extras. Depending on your

community, consider adding seasonal flowers in urns on either side of your door. Use a daily chalkboard sandwich board to advertise and sometimes just delight passersby. A chalkboard sandwich board also doubles as a perfect social media content generator. Take a picture of it and post it to your media of choice.

Even sidewalk chalk art can add humor and interest outside your door. Welcome people in or give them a smile on the way out.

• Change Front Windows Frequently.

Change your windows every month and use a theme. Windows don’t have to be expensive. You don’t need mannequins. Scour Pinterest for retail window ideas. For just pennies, you and your staff can fold and hang bright paper cranes to make your window pop. Highlight a new product on a column with a butcher-paper background. Hire a local muralist to paint your windows. During the pandemic, it’s a good idea to allow customers to see past the display into your store to see that you’re wearing masks and have an open floor plan that makes it easy to stay socially distant. Changing windows give your staff and customers energy.

• Don’t Let Staff Stand Around. If

customers walk into your shop and see employees bored and leaning, they’ll immediately sense the lack of energy. Employees need to be busy to keep energy levels high in the store.

Customers who see bored employees through the window or door are less likely to enter because they’ll anticipate poor customer service. Employees need reasonable tasks like cleaning, organizing, and merchandising to keep your store looking fresh and to entice customers inside to shop.

• Improve Customer Service. When shopping visits are engaging and helpful, you’re practically guaranteed that customers will return to your shop. Make sure employees are trained and well cared for (by you!) to develop patience and empathy for customers. We all know customers can be surly and even wrong … but they’re always the customer. When your employees see you dealing well with difficult circumstances, they’ll learn how to react in their own tough encounters.

• Institute a New Uniform. Let your staff

help you create a new uniform that fits your brand. Consider embroidered shirts or 3/4 aprons. In today’s environment, it could even be branded masks. If your employees are coming to the store wearing their own clothing, make sure they present the professional look you want and the safety you need. Help your customers by requiring staff to wear a name badge when they wear their own clothes. If you don’t already have a policy against halter tops, flip flops, bike shorts, and hats in the store, address that with everyone on staff. Then introduce the new uniform element and let them know that there’s a new standard for professionalism and branding. Be vigilant. Letting just one employee drop the uniform during a shift will change the tide.

If your employees have input into the uniform change, it’s more likely to be adopted. Not everyone will like it at first. Remain consistent for your brand.

• Showcase Click and Collect. Make sure

the storefront holding area is clean and well-branded for your customers who order online and pick up at the store. Your click-and-collect bins or lockers should be well signed to build awareness about your newest service and to help customers and employees find their products quickly.

• Use Bags and Packing Materials for Marketing. If unboxing videos on YouTube has taught

us anything, it’s that post-purchase experiences and messages are a critical part of a shopper’s journey. Could you include occasional samples, stickers, decals, or other items as a “surprise and delight” item? Source ideas from your vendors. Your bags should be durable and well designed. When your shopping bag leaves the store with your customers, they’re additional exposure for your brand. If you think of bags and boxes as just an expense, you’re missing a marketing opportunity. Even if you use plain shipping boxes for online purchases, consider custom-printed

packing tape to close them.

Your bags and boxes are more than a transportation tool. Used correctly, they’re extensions of your store into the market.

• Be active online.

If you’re only on one social media platform, you’re limiting your reach. If you have a toe in the water with Facebook, consider adding Instagram. It’s a key demographic for millennials, who are gaga for color. With a focus on beautiful pictures, you can reinforce your store’s brand with them. Instagram also offers shoppable posts so your customers can immediately acquire the products you highlight while supporting your brand image. Experiment with video, using Facebook Live events that you host online or videos that can do double duty as content for your website and Pinterest.

Your store image is an important asset that needs attention and maintenance just like the equipment you use. For most stores, a rebranding or refresh should be budgeted every five to seven years. Once you select the items you intend to prioritize, make sure you make the most of them with plenty of marketing to announce your new image. Create a “re-grand opening” style event to spark interest and awareness. Staying with the times and creating an image as a thriving, successful business is a part of becoming a thriving, successful business.

See our blog “Colors and Branding” at smart-retailer.com/flora-delaney-articles.

Flora Delaney is a retail consultant, expert, and author of the book Retail the Second-Oldest Profession - 7 Timeless Principles to Win in Retail Today. As a Smart Retailer contributing writer, Flora brings her passion for independent retailing education to our readers. Her book is available on Amazon and www.floradelaney.com/ book for all devices and paperback. www.smart-retailer.com 39

BUSINESSBRIEFS

BY SARAH HOBAN

Lot s of Ideas BUSINESS-BOOSTING NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Communities and small businesses continue to stay creative developing safe strategies and activities to keep customers coming and business districts strong. Some recent examples: • The Downtown Lynchburg Association in Lynchburg, Virginia, held a 12-hour Downtown-a-Thon in July. The virtual event featured entertainers, interviews with local merchants and restaurant owners, beer and wine tasting features, and even “Shopping with Cherese,” featuring a local resident taking targeted shopping trips in local shops and businesses. The event was intended not only to raise awareness, but also raise funds for the town’s Downtown Recovery Initiative, founded to support small businesses. And thanks to a matching donor, the event raised $50,000. Check out the fun at downtownlynchburg. com/telethon.

• Also in Virginia, the Downtown Ashland Association assembled a helpful guide for crisis communications. The guide suggests a variety of pandemic-related scenarios and recommended messaging for webpages and media channels to communicate to customers if, for example, your business has an employee or customer who’s been diagnosed with the coronavirus or your business has to limit service due to event cancellations. See the guide at bit.ly/3gqZ2bh.

• Two downtown nonprofits in Anchorage, Alaska, teamed up to offer “Love Anchorage” boxes, filled with merchandise from local businesses. For $50, customers could choose a coffee or tea box containing six items linked to the theme. The first round of boxes sold out in two days; the second round of 250 also sold out.

“I don’t think we move away from creating in-store experiences that promote interactivity. But I do think we have to add a new layer of perceived safety to the story that we are telling. [It] communicates that the retailer cares about its customers and its employees alike.”

BRIAN WELTMAN, FOUNDER, CEO, AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DESIGN FIRM RHDC STUDIO, ON NRF.COM.

40 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Some retailers are pursuing revenue from their parking lots. Real estate site GlobeSt.com reported that as shopping malls have dealt with closed stores, some center landlords are renting out their parking lots for a variety of purposes. Some have used them for drive-in movies or concerts; others have rented them out for graduation parades or other events. Some have also allowed small businesses and food trucks to use the lots — which can attract customers coming in for mall storers’ curbside pickup — and some have even worked with local governments and health care providers to offer COVID-19 test sites.

Your Values on Display

You may think you know your business’s purpose, but one communications executive bundles “purpose” with “corporate responsibility” and “sustainability.”

That is: What are your business’s core values?

In an interview with Ted Kitterman, in Ragan’s PR Daily, Jim King, executive vice president and chief communications officer for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company in Marysville, Ohio, discussed his company’s approach to promoting its core values with its customers. And while you may not be a multinational corporation (or sell plant products, for that matter), his insights are valuable for businesses of all sizes.

In one recent campaign, the company started with the question, “What would a good company do?” They questioned different stakeholders about how companies are investing in their communities and discovered one surprising finding: Those polled didn’t rank “giving to charity” as particularly high. “It’s not that charity is a bad thing, but everybody gives to charity; that doesn’t make you a good company,” King said. Instead, focus on whether you improve your community and what you’ve done to make it a better place to live. The quest for purpose expands to your employees as well; even if you pay well and offer benefits, the real question, King pointed out is, “Do associates enjoy working at your company?”

What’s in Store for the Season

It will be a challenging holiday shopping season this year, for sure, as extra planning and new procedures become part of your business’s seasonal setup. Inc. (inc.com) offered some plan-ahead tips to make the season a little easier both for you and for your customers: • Make sure your store layout makes it easy for customers to complete their shopping quickly. Many may still be wary of lingering for too long, so assure them with plenty of social-distancing space and good lighting and signage, and have your staff ready to help with directions and recommendations.

• You may need to hire extra staff if you’re offering curbside pickup or delivery. And, Inc. pointed out that hiring competition could be stiff, so plan early.

• Consider the merchandise you’re highlighting. Is it conducive to stay-at-home activities?

• Put some thought into your returns process. Hurried or online purchases could mean more returns. What are you prepared to take back? What are your sanitization procedures for returned items?

Model Suggestions Many businesses have taken creative pivots during the pandemic. Main Street America offered a list of 12 ways that businesses can reimagine their business models to stay afloat.

You may have already incorporated some of them into your business — a new or beefed-up e-commerce channel; delivery and curbside pickup — but others encourage you to focus on your unique strengths, skills, or even your physical space. Following are some suggestions.

See the entire list at bit.ly/3j9Ty6D.

• Increase your online content. People are staying at home,

trying new hobbies, or honing their cooking skills. Consider creating videos that show how to make a dish using products from your store or show ideas for different ways to use your merchandise.

• Provide a popup.

• Start a subscription service. You can

focus on merchandise you’re known for or create a broader category — food items, perhaps, or books, pet products, or housewares. You can offer a monthly delivery or explore bimonthly or quarterly options. The big benefit is predictable recurring revenue and, of course, customer loyalty.

You could rent store space to local artisans or crafters, attracting new customers for them and new merchandise for your store without a lot of additional risk.

www.smart-retailer.com 41

DISPLAY&DESIGN

BY AMY MEADOWS

A

good display is one in which the fixture or display recedes from view. It’s neutral, practical, functional, and gets the job done. An excellent display, however, creates a stage for the merchandise, incorporating colors, textures, and design motifs into customized risers, forms, and easels. It adds a supporting cast without stealing focus and gets the shopper excited.

There’s no shortage of good display items available to retailers. Traditional store planning and retail design rely on fixtures like tables, racks, and shelves that are neutral and generic enough to accommodate a wide variety of merchandise. You may have moved into a space outfitted with wall units, a fixed location for point-of-sale, or any other number of built-ins, and it makes sense to retain as much as is reasonable. These fixtures and fabricated displays provide time and cost efficiencies, but you can transform them from good displays into excellent displays.

You’re not an ordinary business, so why feature ordinary holiday décor like every other business in your area? Woody’s fashioned a unique, eye-catching stone “tree” that’s also a fun photo-op.

traps or beach blankets, look for opportunities that reinforce that connection visually. Customers seek entertainment, engagement, and information. Good visual merchandising supports that and drives sales.

What are the noteworthy aspects of the scenery, wildlife, or cuisine in your area? It might be a particular type of stone, a particular wood, wildlife, or crop. You can highlight those things without turning your shop into a souvenir stand. Instead, integrate the most interesting aspects of your town or region to engage customers and show that you’re very much an invested member of your community.

Perhaps the iconic items mined or harvested in your area are interwoven with the local history or heritage. Or maybe your shop is in a landmark building or historical home. If so, it’s likely you’ll be limited in the number of physical changes or improvements that can be made, but look for ways to both embrace the past and move forward.

Make Displays Local

If you’re a shop owner in a tourist area or a unique historical or geographical location, it makes sense to leverage the sights and sounds of your unique surroundings. Whether it’s lobster

PHOTO BY AMY MEADOWS

Commission Artists to Create Handmade Displays

This bench made from old skis celebrates this Colorado town’s skiing heritage.

42 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

Handcrafted displays have undeniable value. The media or the product may tap into familiar projects — such as origami, weaving, or stenciling — that appeal to your shoppers. I’ve seen light fixtures made from local winery casks, walls covered in typeset letters as a nod to the Printer’s Row historic designation, and a former pharmacy — now a restaurant — papered in vintage prescriptions. The artist you hire will provide a set of fresh, skilled eyes for crafting a plan. Look for artists and craftsmen who work in the following areas: • weaving and macramé • carpentry • ceramics • floral arranging • sewing, quilting, and needlework • painting • printmaking • metalwork

PHOTO BY AMY MEADOWS

Make It Local.

Make It By Hand.

Make It Work!

PHOTO COURTESY JINA PAOLILLO, THE GLASS BOTTLE SOCIETY WINDOW DISPLAY BY AURA STAGING & DESIGN

When you’re commissioning a display piece, it’s wise to plan multifunctional use, so consider including that requirement in the parameters for design. Artwork is work, so pay the artist well, and when appropriate, provide promotional information (name, contact info, social media accounts) for the artist. Take this a step further by cross-promoting a gallery or planning a gallery walk.

Take a page from the Anthropologie playbook and invite the community to help create display props for a win/win. Attendees receive a crash course in a special craft project using, for example, autumn leaves, holiday ornaments, or upcycled materials. The attendees’ work goes on display for them to show off to friends and family. And you’ve not only shared expertise, you’ve gotten others to do the work. In addition, you’re bringing in potential customers to spend time in your store, where they’re getting to know, appreciate, and likely buy your merchandise. If you’re looking for a special angle on holiday decorations, host a contest and display the entries in your windows. This is great for drawing kids and families Children’s art is guaranteed to tug at heartstrings ... and purse strings. to your shop.

Rotate, Repaint, or Refinish

In past columns, we’ve covered “green,” upcycled, and budgetfriendly displays. These principles apply here as well. Identify a table or rack that’s earned some time off from the selling floor.

PHOTO BY AMY MEADOWS

Make It Happen

What’s more “handmade” than paper airplanes, especially when they’re made from vintage book pages? This is a perfect way to add interest in a specialty boutique for cocktail supplies and vintage gifts.

Fixtures, forms, artwork should go into storage periodically.

Otherwise, they become unnoticed landscapes or wallpaper to the shopper. If taking displays off the floor isn’t feasible, given inventory levels or lack of storage space, add a coat or two of paint on a featured piece to create instant energy and impact. If paint isn’t the answer, consider refinishing or recovering it. Or cover a pedestal or table with a tablecloth, runner, or textile art to create a new surface, a pop of color, and a breath of fresh air.

Slat wall paneling is highly functional, but it can also provide an expansive, charming display surface. Consider adding plastic slat covers customized with your logo, a vintage photo of downtown, or other image to set a mood. Slat-cover suppliers are able to reproduce designs such as bricks, corrugated metal, old barn siding, and more to reinforce your store’s overall vibe.

Find Inspiration Online

PHOTO BY AMY MEADOWS

Discover great ideas on Pinterest and other online design sites. I have a permanent hashtag search on Instagram for #visualmerchandising, allowing me to see work worldwide.

From FishsEddy in New York. If you’d like to celebrate a unique design, there’s no better way to think outside the hutch. After this merchandise is sold, the cabinet will be repainted.

Have an interesting display to share? Or a question about visual merchandising strategies for your business or your district? Visit www.windowsmatter.com for more information.

www.smart-retailer.com 43

RETAILERSPOTLIGHT

BY DAN BROWNELL

Peddler’s Mercantile Handmades — Candles — Textiles — Primitives — Homemade Baked Goods

“I love focusing on products that depict history or that are handmade because I have a true appreciation of craftspeople and their handiwork.

There’s so much talent out there.”

L

isa Bateman is founder and owner of Peddler’s Mercantile in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. “I call myself “the bizy peddler .... ‘biz’ for business, ‘bizy’ because I’m always on the go, and ‘peddler’ because of traveling shows and selling my wares,” she said. And true to the word “Mercantile,” the store’s ambience treats shoppers to the homey, “old-time” feel of simpler times.

A Heart for Handmade

Everything Lisa sells, she’s handmade or hand-picked herself.

“I create my own wood and fabric items and make my own homemade baked goods and sell local honey,” she said. “I love focusing on products that depict history or that are

handmade because I have a true appreciation of craftspeople and their handiwork.

There’s so much talent out there.

“I have handmade brooms from a thirdgeneration broom maker in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

I also carry handmade tobacco baskets made by a North Carolina gentleman who made them for more than 60 years, but recently passed away. I also try to promote Pennsylvania companies as much as possible. I carry candles, jellies, goats milk soaps, handcrafted gourds, primitive furniture, and caroler figurines all made in Pennsylvania. I offer as many American-made items as

Lisa Ba

teman is

founde

r and o

wner.

possible. I sell a lot of candles, jellies, handmade primitive items, and seasonal décor from vendors such as Meadowbrooke Gourds, Kitchen Kettle Village, Old Candle Barn, and Byers Choice Carolers — all handmade in Pennsylvania!”

From Craft Fairs to a Permanent Store

Lisa opened her brick-andmortar shop in July 2017, after more than 30 years doing craft fairs, dating back to when her mother, father, brother, and she first started doing them. Lisa was around 12 then. “My parents loved visiting Lancaster County, which became a second home. They often talked about how they would like to open a shop instead of setting up at shows.

They’ve all passed, but I continued crafting and selling.”

Then when Lisa’s husband, a diesel mechanic and farmer, was looking for a property to build a garage and open a diesel repair garage of his own, they found one that had an existing office building.

It was ideal because both businesses would be on one property not far from their farm, with space for Lisa’s business office. She opened her store five months after he opened his garage. “My husband and I 44 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

work hard at our businesses and our farm,” she said. “The reward is worth the long hours, and we support each other. I think being together every day is a blessing.”

An Old-Fashioned Experience

Peddler’s Mercantile is set up in themed rooms. First is the gathering room, where customers enter and check out. It features seasonal and primitive items. Next is the candle room, with a large selection of hearth, jar, gel, soy, and taper candles, as well as wax melts and holders, candle pans and rings, electric light strands, and batteryoperated tapers and pillars. The next room is the pantry, which is filled with jellies, jams, salsas, syrups, and coffee, as well as mixes for bread, soup, dips, and drinks. The back room is the homestead room with quilts, pillows, Mason jar toppers, barnwood frames, farmhouse décor, and jute placemats, runners, and rugs. Last is the colonial room, which features colonial-style décor and Americana.

Lisa put in a lot of work remodeling her shop to give it a nostalgic, country feel. “I converted offices with linoleum flooring and drop ceilings into a primitive shop with tobacco-cloth curtains and a painted wood floor and burlap to dim the brightness of the fluorescent lighting,” she said. “The display items I use are old wash tubs, tables, crates, and shelves that have been handed down to me or that I’ve picked up at antique shops and sales. I want shoppers to step inside, slow down, and relax. There’s always a candle burning and Appalachian or Smoky Mountain music playing.”

Marketing Magic

Lisa is a big believer in building strong community ties, including with other stores. “I love to promote other shops like mine. If they have events, I’ll post them. I don’t see myself as direct competition; I see us as a network. With so few of us in the area, we need to give each other www.smart-retailer.com 45

a boost. I share community events on my Facebook page and spread support to the local groups, like the 4-H Club, fire department, and school activities.

“I draw a fair mix of customers from the local area, and a lot of regulars are like family. I get a lot of new customers through word-of-mouth, which is the best because someone has told them about their great experience at the Merc. Many folks tell a friend and, even better, bring one on their next visit.

Lisa relies on social media and other initiatives in addition to inperson relationship building. “I have a nice following on Facebook and Instagram and keep an email list for those who prefer,” she said. I also do local advertising, especially during the holidays or when I have an event coming up. During a normal (nonCOVID-19) year, I hold four open houses: Spring Fever, Anniversary Celebration, Harvest Welcome, and Yuletide Gathering. I have samples of dips out with appetizers and refreshments, and an item from the Merc to give away. These functions help boost sales and new customers. In addition, I’m a partner in the local tourist orga-

nization — Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau — which has proven beneficial not for just people visiting the area but also residents of surrounding counties looking for new places to go.

“I don’t currently sell online but it’s something I would like to work toward. During the quarantine, I was able to reassess my purchasing and expenses for the remainder of the year. I have many regular customers coming back to shop and I’m even adding new ones. As a result of COVID-19, I schedule appointments for off days.”

A Labor of Love

Lisa puts her whole heart and soul into her store. It takes a lot of work, but she thinks the benefits are definitely worth it. “My husband and I support each other on both the good days and the rough ones. We work as a family. My son gets to see the value of hard work ... what it takes to put food on the table and being able to go on camping trips. As crazy as it can get sometimes running two businesses and a farm, all while keeping up with my son’s schedule, I’m blessed to be able to live the life I have.”

FACTS AT A GLANCE Business Name: Peddler’s Mercantile Location: 2310 Moyer Rd., Connellsville, PA 15425 Website: peddlersmercantile.com Facebook: facebook.com/bizypeddler Email: bizypeddler@hotmail.com Phone: 724-603-3150

46 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

News Roundup From Smart-Retailer.com Visit the Smart Retailer website at smart-retailer.com to read the full articles.

NY NOW® Launches NY NOW Digital Market

New Research Shows Holiday Spending Will Increase or Stay the Same for ThreeQuarters of U.S. Consumers This Year

Enhancements Fuel IMC’s ShopZio Adoption and Growth

Dallas Market Center to Offer Omnichannel Marketplace

NY NOW has launched an innovative platform to serve as the digital companion to its live events. NY NOW Digital Markets will unite its community of retailers, brands, and makers for live events, experiences, connection, reactivation, and buying.

IMC_di, the digital innovations division of International Market Centers (IMC), reports that recent enhancements to ShopZio, its online marketplace, resulted in increased visibility and utility — and by extension, strong gains in adoption and engagement — for the fully operational B2B ecommerce platform.

A study conducted by Power Reviews (PowerReviews.com) indicates that while overall spending levels will be in line with previous years, shopping will start earlier and be more concentrated online.

Dallas Market Center and RepTime, a provider of B2B software as a service (SaaS) solutions, have formed a partnership supporting RepTime’s software solutions, uniting manufacturers, sales teams, and retailers. As part of the partnership announcement, RepTime will be rebranded as MarketTime.

Sign up for weekly updates like these sent directly to your email inbox:

www.smart-retailer.com

www.smart-retailer.com 47

TR ADE SHOW CALENDAR Smart Retailer assumes no liability for changes in show schedules or show cancellations. Please contact the show promoter directly to confirm dates, times and locations before making travel plans.

NOVEMBER 2020 ATLANTA, GA

Atlanta Fall Cash & Carry................... 3-5 www.americasmart.com SEVIERVILLE, TN

IGES Souvenir Gift Show CANCELED........................................... 3-6 www.iges.us

GREENSBORO, NC

Greensboro Gift & Jewelry Show....... 4-6 www.gtshows.com MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Grand Strand Gift Resort.................... 6-9 www.grandstrandgiftshow.com

JANUARY 2021

PIGEON FORGE, TN

ORLANDO, FL

www.iges.us

www.surfexpo.com

IGES Souvenir Gift Show.................... 4-7

Surf Expo............................................... 6-8

GATLINBURG, TN

DALLAS, TX

www.smokymtngiftshow.com

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

BILOXI, MS

Biloxi Mississippi Gift Show.........30-FEB1 www.wmigiftshows.com OAKS, PA

Philadelphia Gift Show................ 31-Feb3 www.philadelphiagiftshow.com TORONTO, CAN

Toronto Gift + Home Market....... 31-FEB4 www.cangift.org

FEBRUARY 2021

Smoky Mountain Gift Show................ 4-7

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market...... 6-12

COLLINSVILLE, IL

SAN MATEO, CA

ANCHORAGE, AK

www.rosehillgiftshows.com

San Mateo Christmas Cash & Carry Gift Show - CANCELED............................... 6-8 www.pinnacle-shows.com MEMPHIS, TN

Mid-South Jewelry and Accessories Fair......................................................... 6-8 www.helenbrett.com

Alaska Wholesale Gift Show.............. 7-9 www.alaskagiftshow.com CHERRY HILL, NJ

Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show.................................. 10-12 www.phillycandyshows.com LOS ANGELES, CA

VIRTUAL

LA Mart Winter 2021 - Week 1....... 11-15

www.sofaexpo.com

ATLANTA, GA

SOFA Expo - VIRTUAL........................ 6-12

www.lamart.com

LIVONIA, MI

Atlanta Market........................... 12-19

www.silverliningshows.com

See ad on page 13 DALLAS, TX

Metro-Michigan Women’s Wear Market................................................... 8-9 PHILADELPHIA, PA

Mid-Atlantic Mart - November Showcase........................................... 11-12 www.midatlanticmart.com OAHU, HI

The Hawaii Market & Merchandise Expo....................................................13-15 www.douglastradeshows.com SAN ANTONIO, TX

San Antonio Wholesale Jewelry, Gift & Accessories Show..............................13-15 www.parkertradeshow.com TACOMA, WA

Tacoma Christmas Cash & Carry Gift Show - CANCELED............................13-15 www.pinnacle-shows.com GATLINBURG, TN

Norton Trade Show - Winter............14-16 www.nortonshows.com OCEAN CITY, MD

Ocean City Resort Gift Expo...........15-17 www.oceancitygiftshow.com NEW ORLEANS, LA

New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show.................................................. 19-22 www.helenbrett.com CHICAGO, IL

Chicago Toy & Game Fair...............21-22 www.chitag.com/fair

DECEMBER 2020 SCHAUMBURG, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Holiday................ 3-6

www.jfashow.com 48 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020

www.americasmart.com

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market................................................13-16 www.dallasmarketcenter.com DENVER, CO

WESA Trade Show............................14-17 www.wesatradeshow.com

St. Louis Gift Show - Tentative..................1 ATLANTA, GA

February Atlanta Apparel.................... 2-6 www.americasmart.com VIRTUAL

NY NOW Winter Market - Digital Market................................................. 4-12

www.nynow.com NEW YORK, NY

NY NOW Winter Market - In Person Event.................................................... 7-10 www.nynow.com PHILADELPHIA, PA

American Handcrafted.....................13-15 www.americanhandcraftedshow.com LAS VEGAS, NV

WWIN Womenswear in Nevada...15-18 www.wwinshow.com LAS VEGAS, NV

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Agenda Las Vegas.............................17-18

www.specialtyfood.com

ROSEMONT, IL

Winter Fancy Food Show.................17-19

www.agendashows.com/las-vegas

LOS ANGELES, CA

LA Mart Winter 2021 - Week 2...... 18-22

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Winter............... 18-21

PHOENIX, AZ

ALBERTA, CAN

www.lamart.com

OASIS Gift Show.............................. 21-23 www.oasis.org DALLAS, TX

www.jfashow.com

Alberta Gift + Home Market........... 21-24 www.cangift.org

Halloween & Party Expo VIRTUAL.......................................... 22-24

SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY

LAS VEGAS, NV

NEW ORLEANS, LA

www.halloweenpartyexpo.com

Louisville Gift Show............................... 22 www.rosehillgiftshows.com

2021 Winter Las Vegas Market...................................... 24-28

CAMEX21 Reimagined....................22-26

See ad on page 27 PHILADELPHIA, PA

Rocky Mountain Gift Show.............. 23-28

www.lasvegasmarket.com

Mid-Atlantic Mart - January Showcase..........................................27-28 www.midatlanticmart.com BILLINGS, MT

Billings Market Association Market...........................................28-30 www.billingsmarketassoc.com MINNETONKA, MN

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show...........................29-FEB2 www.mplsmart.com

www.camex.org DENVER, CO

www.rockymountaingiftshow.com DENVER, CO

Denver Apparel & Accessory Market...............................................25-28 www.denvermart.com BIRCH RUN, MI

Retailers Market Place 2021..... 28-MAR1 www.retailersmp.com LAS VEGAS, NV

ASD Market Week..................... 28-MAR3 www.asdonline.com

MARCH 2021

APRIL 2021

MINNETONKA, MN

April Atlanta Apparel........................13-17

www.mplsmart.com

LAS VEGAS, NV

ATLANTA, GA

www.toyfestwest.com

www.americasmart.com

West Coast Toy Trade Show................ 1-3 ATLANTA, GA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

www.americasmart.com

www.adirondack.org/adirondack-buyer-days

Spring Mini Market.............................. 3-5 PORTLAND, ME

New England Made Spring Show...13-15 www.nemadeshows.com MINNETONKA, MN

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show............................... 19-23 www.mplsmart.com NEW YORK, NY

New York Spring Home Fashion Market Week..................................................22-25 www.homefashionproducts.com DALLAS, TX

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market + Total Home & Gift Market............... 23-26

Adirondack Buyer Days................... 20-21 ROSEMONT, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Spring...............22-25 www.jfashow.com

MINNETONKA, MN

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show...............................25-27 www.mplsmart.com

MAY 2021

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show................................. 6-10 CHICAGO, IL

The Inspired Home Show - NEW DATES.................................................. 7-10 www.theinspiredhomeshow.com COLLINSVILLE, IL

St. Louis Gift Show..................................16 www.rosehillgiftshows.com LAS VEGAS, NV

SuperZoo............................................16-19 www.superzoo.org LAS VEGAS, NV

Agenda Las Vegas.............................18-19 www.agendashows.com/las-vegas LAS VEGAS, NV

PETOSKEY, MI

ASD Market Week............................22-25

www.petoskeygiftshow.com

DALLAS, TX

Petoskey Gift Show............................... 1-3

www.asdonline.com

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

ATLANTA, GA

ORLANDO, FL

Spring Cash & Carry............................ 4-6

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market...............................................24-27

www.americasmart.com

www.globalpetexpo.com

LAS VEGAS, NV

DENVER, CO

www.licensingexpo.com

www.rockymountaingiftshow.com

Global Pet Expo................................ 24-26

Las Vegas Licensing Expo 2021......25-27

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

JUNE 2021

1. Publication Title: Smart Retailer. 2. Publication Number: 011498. 3. Filing Date: 10/01/2020. 4. Issue Frequency: 8x per year. 5.

Number of Issues Published Annually: 8. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $19.95. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Astra Marketplace & Academy........... 6-9

Publication: JP Media LLC, N7528 Aanstad Rd., P.O. Box 5000, Iola,

www.marketplaceandacademy.org

WI 54945-5000. 8: Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or

ATLANTA, GA

General Business Office of Publication: JP Media LLC, N7528 Aanstad Rd., P.O. Box 5000, Iola, WI 54945-5000. 9: Full Names and

June Atlanta Apparel......................... 9-12

Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing

www.americasmart.com

Editor: Diana Jones, Publisher, Same as Office of Publication; Dan

DALLAS, TX

Brownell, Editor, Same as Office of Publication. 10: Owner: JP Media LLC, N7528 Aanstad Rd., P.O. Box 5000, Iola, WI 54945-5000. Diana Jones, N7528 Aanstad Rd., P.O. Box 5000, Iola, WI 54945-5000. 11.

Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders: Waukesha State Bank, 151 E. St. Paul Ave., Waukesha, WI 53187; Diana Jones, N7528 Aanstad Rd., Iola, PO Box 5000, Iola, WI 54945.

12. N/A. 13. Smart Retailer. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October/November 2020. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation:

Total # of Copies Paid &/or Required Circulation: Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (3541) Paid/Requested In-County Mail Subscriptions (3541) Sales through Dealers & Carriers Other Classes Mailed Through USPS T o t a l P a i d/ R e q u e s te d C i r c : Free Distribution by Mail: Outside County (as stated in form 3541) In-County (as stated in form 3541) Other Classes Mailed through USPS Free Distribution Outside the Mail Tot a l Free Dist ribut ion Tota l Distribution Copies Not Distributed Tota l Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation

Average 12 Months 16023

www.dallasmarketcenter.com DALLAS, TX

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market....23-29 www.dallasmarketcenter.com MINNETONKA, MN

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show.............................. 27-29 www.mplsmart.com

9395

9110

0 0 8 9403

0 0 8 9118

3974 0 0 2479 6453 15856 167 16023

6577 0 0 2150 8727 17845 167 18012

www.americasmart.com

51.10%

2021 Summer Las Vegas Market.....25-29

59.30%

1 6 . E l e c t r o n i c C op y C i r c u l a t i o n :

Paid Electronic Copies Total Paid Print+Paid Electronic Copies Total Print Distribution+Paid Electronic Copies Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies)

2020 Single issueOct/Nov 2020 18012

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market...............................................22-25

Average 12 Months 0 9403 15856 59.30%

2020 Single issueOct/Nov 2020 0 9118 17845 51.10%

17. Publication of Statement of Ownership will be printed in the December 2020 issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner: Diana Jones, Owner. Date: October 1, 2020. I certify that all information published on this form is true and complete.

JULY 2021 ATLANTA, GA

Atlanta Market...................................13-19 ROSEMONT, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Summer.............15-18 www.jfashow.com LAS VEGAS, NV

www.lasvegasmarket.com

AUGUST 2021 ATLANTA, GA

August Atlanta Apparel....................... 3-7 www.americasmart.com MIAMI, FL

Miami Asia America Wholesale Show...................................................... 6-7 www.asiaamericashow.com

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Rocky Mountain Gift Show..............24-28 SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY

Louisville Gift Show............................... 30 www.rosehillgiftshows.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show...................................12-14 www.phillycandyshows.com ATLANTA, GA

Fall Design Week..............................20-22 www.americasmart.com BOXBORO, MA

New England Made Autumn Show...21-22 www.nemadeshows.com CHICAGO, IL

Casual Market Chicago................... 21-24 www.casualmarket.com LAS VEGAS, NV

Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Show.28-30 www.lvsouvenirshow.com

OCTOBER 2021 MINNETONKA, MN

MinneapolisMART Gift, Home & Accessory Show................................... 3-5 www.mplsmart.com NEW YORK, NY

New York Fall Home Fashion Market Week...................................................... 4-7 www.homefashionproducts.com ATLANTA, GA

October Atlanta Apparel..................12-16 www.americasmart.com ROSEMONT, IL

TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show - Fall.....................14-17 www.jfashow.com ATLANTA, GA

Fall Cash & Carry............................. 26-28 www.americasmart.com

www.smart-retailer.com 49

DECEMBER 2020 Keep Smart Retailer magazine flourishing by letting our advertisers know that you saw their advertisement in this issue.

This advertising index is an additional service. We assume no liability for any incorrect information.

AmericasMart Altanta.................................................................... www.americasmart.com..................................... 13 Annalee Dolls, Inc................................................................................www.annalee.com.........................................29 Basic Spirit.......................................................................................... www.basicspirit.com........................................29 Blossom Bucket................................................................................... blossombucket.com........................................... 7 Bright Ideas..................................................................................... www.brightideasllc.com..................................... 11 Casafina Gifts................................................................................... www.costa-nova.com.......................................33 Col House Designs.......................................................................www.colhousedesigns.com.................................. 31 CTW Home Collection................................................................. CTWHomeCollection.com................................... 15 CWI Gifts..................................................................................................shopcwi.com..............................................23 Deep Breath Designs...................................................................... deepbreathdesigns.com..................................... 37 Earth Rugs/Capitol Importing............................................................www.earthrugs.com........................................23 ESC and Company............................................................................escandcompany.com...................................2, 29 Greenwich Bay Trading..................................................................... www.gbsoaps.com.........................................35 K. Hall Studio..........................................................................................khallstudio.com............................................ 37 Kurt S. Adler........................................................................................ www.kurtadler.com......................................... 51 Lancaster County Wholesale Mall........................................www.lancasterwholesalemall.com.............................. 5 Las Vegas Market (World Market Center Las Vegas).................... lasvegasmarket.com........................................27 Meadowbrooke Gourds........................................................................ mbgourds.com............................................... 9 Nashville Wraps, LLC....................................................................nashvillewraps.com/SMR.................................... 15 Old Town Soap Co............................................................................ oldtownsoapco.com........................................35 Pilgrim Imports......................................................................................pilgrimimports.com.........................................27 Soap & Paper Factory.............................................................www.soapandpaperfactory.com..............................35 Taylor Paladino................................................................................... taylorpaladino.com.........................................29 The Columbus Warehouse..........................................................thecolumbuswarehouse.com................................... 3 The Grecian Soap Company...............................................................greciansoap.com........................................... 37 The Hearthside Collection...........................................................thehearthsidecollection.com..................................25 ULINE......................................................................................................www.uline.com............................................25 Vickie Jean’s Creations..............................................................www.vickiejeanscreations.com...............................25 Vintage Pearl................................................................................... www.tvpwholesale.com.....................................33 White River Designs LLC...........................................................whiteriverdesigns@hotmail.com...............................29 Wind & Willow LLC............................................................................windandwillow.com........................................27 Windrift Hill ............................................................................................windrifthill.com.......................................37, 52 Wine-a-Rita........................................................................................www.wineglace.com........................................29 50 Smart Retailer DECEMBER 2020