Seven for Eleven
Warren Shoulberg -- Gifts and Dec, 3/1/2011 3:39:47 AM
THE BOYS WHO MAKE BOOK IN VEGAS WOULD TELL YOU THAT WITH A HEADLINE LIKE THAT, YOU CAN'T LOSE. BUT YOU NEED A LOT MORE THAN LUCK TO MAKE IT IN THE GIFT BUSINESS, SO LET'S TALK ABOUT SEVEN THINGS THE INDUSTRY COULD USE IN 2011 TO MAKE IT A BETTER YEAR.
1 Decent Holiday Results. From all appearances it seemed that December was a pretty good month, even a little better than expected, for most retailers. But the proof is at the bottom of a spreadsheet, so it sure would be nice to see some big black numbers at the end of all those columns. Wouldn't that be a pleasant change?
2 A Hot Product. We all loved Webkins and Silly Bandz and they both have a lot of life left in them, but let's face it, this is an industry that needs hot new products and needs them all the time. We're overdue. So, here's hoping that 30-45 days from now when the winter gift show circuit is over and done with, we have a winner.
3 A Little Credit. Not as in a hardy pat on the back, but as in all those banks opening up the vaults a little bit and giving everyone - retailers, suppliers and especially consumers - a little more breathing space on their credit lines. We're starting to see the first tentative signs in credit cards, but we need more and we need it to be at terms better than those offered by the local Wise Guy.
4 Reps Getting a Fair Deal. We don't have to throw charity dinners for the average sales rep, but their role is radically changing and both sides of the buying equation - stores and suppliers - need to recognize that and make sure there is always a place for them in the mix.
5 Robust Markets and Shows. Like everything else in the industry, trade shows and market centers are going through a transition - some getting larger, others shrinking and even a few going away. Everyone needs purchasing platforms - real and virtual - to make things work, so vitality in the markets is crucial.
6 Home Sweet Home. We don't care if they are new or old, large or small, in the city or out in the 'burbs. We just need the housing market to rebound and for everyone to once again have the means to grab that most magical piece of the great American dream.
7 Politicians Playing Nice. Certainly not unique to the gift industry, but essential for the well-being of the country is the need for the national, state and local governments to be functioning bodies, capable of producing rational, logical and effective regulations that we all can live with. That's not too much to ask for, don't you think?
We kept the list fairly short. We couldn't resist the seven-eleven reference. It doesn't take a whole lot to make things better.
Then again, the whole thing can be a crapshoot.
-Warren Shoulberg, Editorial Director
We would love your feedback!
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