Selling Smiles

It's a well-known fact: Laughter is the best medicine. And if your sales are looking a little sickly, laughter is a sure way to bring them back around. After all, whimsy puts people in a good mood; and when shoppers are happy, they're buying. Retailers should never be afraid to add humor to their merchandise mix, because those quirky gifts that put a smile on a shoppers' faces will also put dollars in the register.

There are plenty of laughs to go around these days, as vendors across the giftware spectrum are looking to “lighten up” their lines with a little bit of humor. Clever, whimsical pick-me-ups are perfect gifts for any occasion: They make entertaining self-purchases, can brighten up a birthday gathering or bring laughter to a friend “just because.”

And because they're great attention grabbers, humorous gifts are also ideal for store displays. You can create a “just for laughs” section in your shop by grouping a variety of fun products. Build a display around the witty messages on Mud Pie's Lucite notes or feature the edgy sayings on New Creative's flags and posters. The products are generally easy to mix, and you don't have to worry if things don't go perfectly together. You goal is laughter, not style. It's a great way to keep customers smiling — and shopping.

Humorous gifts also generate opportunities for promotion. You can create events around a theme, such as throwing a pajama party that highlights quirky accessories for bed and bath. Team with a local vendor to provide slumber party snacks like popcorn, pizza and ice cream, and you've got a promotion that promises loads of fun. It's a great way to draw traffic and get people talking about product.

So remember: If you need a cure for sagging sales, just make 'em laugh, and customers will remember you for future purchases.

Celebrate women and their friendships with a display of gifts that all women can relate to. Whether it's making fun of their marital status, poking fun at men or praising the strength of women, these are perfect presents for women to give to each other, or buy for themselves.

Have fun in the tub and the bedroom with bath and bedding accessories that take a turn down funny lane. People may not want to decorate the main rooms of the house with humorous accessories, but the bed and bath are two rooms they can trim with humor. A whimsical shower curtain or funny pillowcases will add the giggle factor to intimate decor.

Humorous merchandise creates a fun atmosphere, so set up a comical display of gifts. They're great birthday presents for someone who has it all, or for the shopper who just doesn't know what to buy. Don't worry, there's something for everyone. Be it for a goofball, politician or sophisticate, a funny gift is always a good choice.

Everyone likes a good joke. So why not add a variety of books with silly themes to your product mix? Just make sure not to offend anyone; keep in mind who your customer base is, and determine which books are right for your shop. And remember: Just because you think it's funny, doesn't mean your shoppers will. Luckily there's a lot to choose from, so your options are practically endless.