Special Occasions Spotlight on Christmas (From page 75)
With 27,000 sq. feet, City Lights can display thousands of ornaments.
76
store include “Karen Didion Santa figures that are collectibles, and anything coastal themed, such as lighthouse ornaments and seashells. They sell well because of our location, and the Santa figures do well because they are so unusual.” Dieter Rausch, owner of The Christmas Sleigh, Inc. in Middleburg, Va., described his best-sellers as all being extremely unique. The authentic German Christmas shop carries many handmade German and Austrian collectables, from ornaments such as Austrian painted Christmas eggs and Wiener bronzes to German pyramids. “While everything you can think of for and about Christmas you will find in my store, my ‘Smoking Man’ is always very popular. He’s a wooden figure that contains incense, which leaves his mouth. He sells well because he is so unique
Theft Prevention at Christmas Shops
I
t might be the holidays all year long at Christmas shops, but along with the cheer, the potential for theft also still exists. For this article, store staff members discussed top theft prevention tips. At City Lights Collectibles in San Diego, Calif., Manager Brian Young said, “We have cases for some high-end items, but we also rely a great deal on our store employees. We have 14 different members of our customer service staff on the floor at one time to keep an eye on things and help people.” In Manteo, N.C., Patricia Lassen, manager of The Christmas Shop, related, “We really don’t have anything in locked cases other than a few high-end jewelry lines. For us, it’s more about keeping a watchful eye on things. Our staff walks around the store a lot.”
Paula Cookenour, who handles sales and display at Jule Haus in Solvang laughs when asked about theft prevention. “Prayer helps,” she said. “Mostly we have not had blatant loss. We are blessed to have a beautiful store, and most people respect that. If we have misgivings about someone, we usually come up and ask them ‘Do you have anything in mind?’ Using a little catch phrase like that, letting them know you’re ready for them at the counter and watching them, that usually helps to prevent any theft.” In Harrisonburg, Va., at the Snow and Ice Christmas and Gift Store, Owner Dustin Kline said, “Most of our theft prevention involves being around and engaging with our customers, trying to create a more personalized experience. We don’t hover or
Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties | May 2021 | www.sgnmag.com
follow people around though. Ever since I have opened, I have always had the philosophy that if I had to follow every customer around like a lost puppy, I’m not going to do retail. Fortunately, theft rarely happens, and when it does, it is often right in front of your nose, and the harder I try to prevent it, the more it could happen. So, really it’s all about building relationships with regular customers and tourists alike. We like to be visible and present, and make sure they feel they’re in a community store, dealing with someone personally, not a corporation. That makes a difference. Being engaged and visible is key,” he explained. Overall, theft prevention techniques rely on an engaged staff visibly present to keep Christmas stores merry. ❖