Summer 2022 - 15

COVER STORY
that may await, retailers and makers shared what worked for them in '21 -
plus their '22 plans.
1. Think Color. Shake up customers' expectations by abandoning
traditional red and green, recommended Ann Cantrell, owner, Annie's
Blue Ribbon General Store. " We did a rainbow table and it was so fun
and easy to merchandise product this way. We will definitely keep this
going for 2022. "
2. Go Gratis. Everyone loves free swag; in that vein, Cantrell distributed
to/from gift tag sticker sheets, gratis. " They were beautiful and well
received by customers, " she recalled.
3. Don't Wait Until November. " We opted to start selling holiday themed
items and gifts in October, instead of waiting until November to do a
big launch like we traditionally do, " described Jennifer Luna, owner
of Paper Luxe Stationery & Gifts. " Customers were very eager to start
celebrating and decorating earlier this year, so we just put out items
as we received them and tried to make displays look as cohesive as
possible. Our customers loved it and we will do the same timeline this
year as well! "
4. Work(shop) It. If you can, bring back in-store events, Luna continued.
" We brought back one of our in-person workshops from precoronavirus
times - wreath making - and it sold out three times!
Customers were so excited to create in a group atmosphere again.
They were able to shop before and after the workshop, increasing
our average daily sales. Workshops and in-person shopping events
will definitely be increased and promoted heavily for the '22
holiday season! "
5. Be Neighborly. When it comes to events, there is strength in numbers,
Luna underscored. " We also plan to collaborate with our neighbors for
more block-party style events to draw in larger crowds now that it is
safer to do so. "
6. Stick with Tradition. Year in and year out, annual events consistently
draw customers, Luna explained. " And of course, our holiday open
house - always held the first Saturday in November - was our best day
of the year. We offer a free gift with purchase, complimentary drinks
and food, festive music, and other fun perks. "
7. Count on Promotions. Luna gets creative with promotions to build
excitement. " Our 12 Days of Deals promotion, highlighting a different
product or maker every day December 1-12, was also a big hit! It gave
customers a reason to visit us online or in-person every day during that
crucial selling time before the holidays! For customers who required
shipping, we offered to hold all of their orders until the end and ship
together to avoid multiple shipping fees. "
8. Be Charitable. Integrating a great cause onto your selling floor can
be a meaningful gift to the community, in that it enables customers
to feel good about helping others as they gift friends and family. " We
partnered with a local non-profit organization, Olive Crest, that works
with foster children and parents in the area to create 'giving trees' for
the holiday season, " Luna recalled. " The organization provided tickets
We are excited to share our
2022 Holiday Collection with you.
We have a gorgeous selection of
greeting cards, boxed card sets,
gift wrap and coordinating gift tags
to choose from.
We'd love to work with you!
Find us on Faire Wholesale!
DWH_7.75_x_4.75_HalfPageAd_Holiday2022.indd 1
Circle 407
A+
RATING
®
5/27/22 2:57 PM
STATIONERYTRENDS.COM
15
http://www.designwithheart.com http://www.STATIONERYTRENDS.COM
Summer 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Summer 2022
