Published: Gift Shop Magazine Spring 2016

The new Spring issue of Gift Shop Magazine arrived in my mailbox today, 

with my most recent article running on pages 120 - 124.
The subject this time is the efficient and effective use of space in a small store...

something I hear about ALL the time when I speak at trade shows and conferences.

It's a great read, with some inspiring images, 

and I hope you will visit the Gift Shop Magazine website + social media pages 

to see more of the content I provided for this issue!

In the article, I present my Top 5 Tips for Small Store Success:

* Utilize the principle of zone design for overall layout

* Learn how fixtures can help or hinder your capacity

* See how to use vertical space for displays + stock storage 

* Understand the effective use of color

*Find ideas for presenting merchandise in ways that maximize selection and sales.

  

Focusing on those five areas will get you on the path toward success...  

one step at a time! 

This issue of Gift Shop Magazine is available online in digital format!

On Display: Regional Style

 My current article in the Winter Issue of Gift Shop Magazine

is titled 'Let California Inspire Your Retail Displays', 

and focuses on how to bring a regional influence into your store...

even if you're not in California.

That photo above is an example of this principle in action.
Taking elements of the outdoors found in National Parks,

this shop has created a display that immediately translates that theme.

The large canoe hanging overhead is your first clue :)
and then you take in the rustic woodsy-ness of the ceiling and shelving.
The green tone of the legs on the nested tables plays into the forest, as well.

Stepping closer, you can see the elements that bring more regional flavor:
a small faux pine tree, packaged seedling sequoia trees for sale
(those are the tan cylinders in the rear left-side cabinet),
keychains with national park logos (in the front left-side cabinet)
and small blue cans that hold poppy seeds... the California State flower.

Apparel products include a fun felt 'ranger hat' and tee shirts (both short and long sleeved)
and sweatshirts - all with Smokey the Bear and California logos.

This is enough to flesh out the theme... but there's more to this display.
Click 'Read More' to find out what it is and WHY it works!
 

Published: Gift Shop Magazine

I am honored to have an article in the Winter 2016 issue of Gift Shop Magazine, 

a resource for retailers that is published four times per year.

Every issue is packed full of ideas, inspiration, information and solutions

that help retailers of gift products build successful businesses.

My 5-page article beginning on Page 162

is filled with suggestions, images, and tips
for how to evoke the feel of California, the Golden State,

in your own store's displays.

You'll find a focus on capturing the beauty of the regional differences 

of this vast stretch of land along the Pacific,

along with a glimpse at how to build displays with Hollywood glamour and Disney Magic!
( c'mon, this is ME.... there's gonna' be Disney Magic somewhere in there! )

Bringing the environment surrounding your store inside
 is an effective display practice no matter where you are located,

but is especially successful if you are in a tourist destination.
You'll find this article helpful even if you aren't located in California...
From sea to shining sea, the same principles apply!

No matter what the landscape is like outside your doors,

you'll find inspiration in my article that will help you 

take your customers on an adventure when they walk inside your store!

Click 'Read More' to continue...