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Experience Gifts Grew for Christmas 2006

By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 2/21/2007 9:15:00 AM

Stevens, PA — Gifts of experience topped the list this past Christmas. According to Unity Marketing’s Gift Tracker survey, consumable gifts like chocolate, gourmet food, gift baskets, wine and spirits were the fastest growing category in the fourth quarter of 2006. Retailers can give sales a “sugar high” by putting sweet treats front and center, and surrounding them with accessories that enhance the experience, from wine glasses to chocolate trivia. Samples will increase sales as customers embrace the experience right in the store (and maybe buy another for themselves).

The second fastest growing category, entertainment and recreation, included videos/DVDs, books, audio/CDs, electronic games and electronic equipment; so gift shops may want to expand their gift music and gift book selection; especially food-related books, which combine the two trends in one. Meanwhile, traditional gifts such as flowers and plants, figurines, collectibles, stationery and seasonal decorations dropped 8 percentage points compared to 2005. Of traditional gifts, only candles and candle accessories ranked among the top 10 choices, perhaps because they, too, provide an experience for the senses.

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