Plush Possibilities

This month's cover subject, "Jubilee," serves double duty. First, it introduces our annual plush product feature. It also helps us celebrate Russ Berrie & Co., which is marking 40 years in business by introducing its commemorative teddy bear, Jubilee. Plush has been a mainstay of the independent gift retailer even longer than the four decades RUSS has been in business. And make no mistake, it's still going strong. Editor Sarah Mandel spoke with half a dozen of the industry's leading plush vendors for her state-of-the-industry report, "The Gift of Love." She learned that while even grocery stores and gas stations are selling soft toys nowadays, it's still the specialty gift retailer who can best meet consumers' needs with a wide range of products and price points, from impulse items to keepsakes. Seasonal plush product also fills an important niche. Most consumers aren't going to walk the aisles of Toys R Us looking for a Valentine's Day gift, but they will rely on their gift store for a Jubilee or other token of love. You'll find more plush possibilities on page 28.

Among today's generally stressed-out populace, the trend is toward simplifying our complicated lives. Consumers are still looking to decorate their homes, entertain their friends, and provide for healthy, happy families, of course. But they don't have the time for elaborate preparations, á la Martha Stewart. A handful of new publications — including Real Simple, Chic Simple, and Organic Style — are responding to this call. Specialty retailers should take note by making the shopping experience in their stores as uncomplicated as possible. That might mean reorganizing store layout to make navigation smoother and merchandise more inviting. Displays need to relay a clear message by focusing on a single product, or bundled products that surprise and delight shoppers. And customer service should be quick and significant, without losing the personal touch that is the hallmark of our industry. It's a tall order, but no one ever said simple was easy.