Smart Retailer February 2018

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ON THE COVER:
Bar Harbor Bell®, by North Country Wind Bells, is popular because of its association with Acadia National Park. The area attracts many visitors who enjoy watching the cruise ships that visit and listening to the buoy bells that guide them. Rings with three tones, 14″ h., with semi-flat black finish.

Product Focus

New & Noteworthy:
10 Décor ‘n’ More
Delightful home accessories, charming charms, and fun, indoor family activities.

Counter Culture:
12 Babies and Kids Hit the Jackpot
From baby-care items to character building toys, these new releases offer top quality gifts for parents and their little ones.

Trend Watch:
14 There’s No Need to Gamble on This Forecast
Las Vegas Market’s proprietary FIRST LOOK trend forecast will showcase four central themes at the Winter 2018 Las Vegas Market, Jan. 28–Feb. 1, 2018.

Trend Watch:
18 Explore Product Trends at the February NY NOW© Show
NY NOW will spotlight hot products and brands from around the world at its winter show Feb. 3–7 in the Big Apple.

Country Charm:
20 Cozy Up Your Garden & Outdoor Space
Get your store ready for spring shopping with charming garden décor.

24 Egg on Sales With Easter & Inspirational Products
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Make sure you’re carrying a wide variety of Easter-related merchandise.

Handmade:
28 Handmade From the Heart
American Made Collective (AMC) artists present their fabulous handmade work.

32 Pomp, Circumstance, and Ringing Registers!
Cash in on graduation and confirmation gifts by offering your shoppers great choices to commemorate these special events.

Business Sense

36 Discover Your Destiny: Turn Your Shop Into a Destination Store
Customers want to savor their shopping experience. Discover how to make your store a shop-’til-you-drop sanctuary.

Display & Design:
38 Visual Merchandising: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Learn basic principles of driving sales through a strategic presentation of your merchandise.

42 Business Briefs:
Make social media marketing a group effort; blog beginnings; a creative campaign fills empty windows; sampling success; safeguarding employee information.

Retailer Spotlight:
44 Blue Pomegranate Gallery
Sondra Gerber simply wanted to create art and had no plans to be in retail. But nearly 20 years later, she’s running Blue Pom, a booming shop, with her husband Jason, who left his career to join her.