Spring Fling
Bessie Nestoras -- Gifts and Dec, 3/12/2011 12:34:00 AM
The warm weather is fast approaching. It's time to stock the shelves with spring and summer gear.
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE IN A RESORT TOWN OR THE MIDDLE OF A BIG CITY, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES, WOMEN BEGIN THEIR HUNT FOR WARM WEATHER FASHIONS.
But don't think this category is left to just the fashion boutiques and department stores. Independents can cash in during the spring and summer months. Hats, tote bags, seasonal jewelry, tunics and shoes all give a spring outfit that extra oomph.
And the selection from which independent retailers can choose is growing, giving you yet another category to pull customers away from the department stores and chains - who more often than not, all offer the same lines - and into your store, which has more exclusive products.
One of the more interesting aspects of the category on the gift side of the business is the expansion of the apparel and, of course, jewelry categories. In fact, for the last few seasons, many of the gift vendors have expanded their lines to include fashion accessories. Mud Pie's line continues to grow, with the company adding more and more products to its ever-expanding collection, including jewelry, beach cover-ups and pajamas. But there is a stronger focus now. And judging by the crowds gathered at many of these vendors' fashion sections during the recent winter market season, this is a lucrative category for the gift retailer.
Gift Fashion to Go
"Just like handbags were not part of the gift store scene 10 years ago ... prêt-a-porter was inevitable. Gift stores are demanding new and different so that a consumer can have a wider selection resulting in more reason to come back to the store with greater frequency," said Peter Kertesz, general manager of Murval. The company has added an apparel line, as well as a pair of wedge sandals, to this season's collection.
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Jean Criss Cross slide in bronze features a 1 1/2" kitten heel. $49. Lindsay Phillips. 973.285.0041. www.switchflops.com |
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Cornhusk tote bag with faux leather trim. 19"x10". $32. San Diego Hat. 888.868.0588. www.sandiegohat.com |
Summer hat is made of raffia. From the Tommy Bahama line. Dorfman Pacific. 800.367.3626. www.dorfmanpacific.com |
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Leatherette wedge comes in black and cognac in whole sizes 6-9. Murval. 305.715.9066. www.murval.com |
Crinkle scarf in cotton features a vertical stripe. $30. V. Fraas. 212.575.0191. www.fraas.com |
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Cotton tunic features an embroidered trim. Available in small, medium and large. $50. Mud Pie. 800.998.1633. www.mud-pie.com |
Monaco court bag holds two oversized racquets 24"x6"x18". $116. Toss Designs. 415.721.1037. www.tossdesigns.com |
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Barbara Knight, owner of Just Got 2 Have It, a rep showroom in Atlanta's AmericasMart, opened Glam, a new division, which focuses only on fashion accessories. It was at the suggestion of AmericasMart leasing agent Mary Sullivan that Knight took the available space next to her showroom. In fact, it was a logical step for this fashion-forward gift rep.
"For the last 18 months, vendors have been coming to me with accessories- driven lines for the gift division. They said they were a perfect fit. And in theory we are, but we were focused on bath and body, home and gift. To do accessories, it was a whole different side. So I was turning away a lot of accounts," she says.
But the opportunity came along and she took it. Accessories are doing especially well now because "It's an affordable luxury. People can justify a $20 enamel bracelet, rather than redecorate the house," explains Knight.
To let shoppers know you're in the fashion loop, create vibrant window displays to show your unique product offerings. Props, like beach chairs and buckets, are fun additions for summer. Throw a party with music and refreshments, and offer a discount with the purchase of any spring or summer item.
The sun is shining, the days are longer and people are in better moods. Make sure you let them know that you are the store for unique fashions, because no woman wants to be caught wearing the same fashion accessories as another - even if she might be her best friend.
Sporty Girls
Spruce up your spring and summer fashion sections. Clothing and apparel might be growing segments within the fashion accessories category, but don't ignore sports accessories. Women like to play a healthy tennis match or enjoy a round of golf, too. And fashion accessories vendors are paying attention and offering women a selection of feminine gear to take along to the tennis court or golf course. A tennis bag, like the Monaco court bag from Toss Designs, and the golf gear from Cinda B.'s bSporty line are fun alternatives to the athletic styles found at sports stores.
Golf head covers come in a set of three and fit most sizes of woods. The tee pouch holds tees, pencils, score cards and clips to a golf bag. $89 and $35, respectivey. Cinda B. 404.312.4585. www.cindab.com CIRCLE #913.
'Tis the Season...For Fashion
Fashion jewelry continues to be a strong part of the fashion accessories category within the gift industry. With many of the styles boasting affordable price points, it's an easy sale for the retailer. For the upcoming season, highlight pieces with bright colors and spring and summer themes. Crossmerchandise and mix them in with your other seasonal displays.
Pink Grapefruit bracelet is accented with hints of pink. $50. Angela Moore. 800.927.5470. www.angelamoore.com CIRCLE #909
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