Gifted

Do yourself a favor and give the gift of gifts! I can pretty much write the script when I’m talking to retailers about what’s selling these days. For most, sportswear is as slow as molasses, imports are risky business and even tween items aren’t the sure things they used to be. What almost everyone can agree on though is that gifts practically pay the rent. That’s good news because as our vp of sales always says, almost anything can be considered a gift. It’s also not surprising given that most of my mommy friends have to work their schedules around the many birthday parties their kids are invited to—not only are these events frequent, but every class member is invited these days. To top this off, the U.S. is experiencing a record birth rate. And where there’s a new baby (especially a firstborn) there’s at least one shower. I’m just picturing retailers across the country with fingers covered in Band-aids from wrapping present after present. We’re doing our part to feed the gift machine with a plethora of gift options in the July issue. With a variety of products to fit all tastes and wallets and distinctive wrapping paper that becomes your calling card at every event, retailers can keep the cash flowing. Tell me, are apparel manufacturers doing a good job of positioning their product lines more toward gift sales? Do you hit the gift shows or are the apparel trade shows offering a wide enough array of product for this segment?