A Common Sense Approach To Successful Holiday Merchandising In A Tough Economy

Online, September 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - You probably already create an atmosphere in your store that makes customers feel welcome, and you may know how important it is to reflect the season in a subtle, but festive way.

But are you missing the most important element of all? Are you offering anything "new"?

We recently spoke with Judy Paskert, a Sales Rep with Pacesetter Enterprises in Kansas City.

Judy said that many stores are wary of bringing on new lines for the holidays, with the economy recovering so slowly. But that may be just what you need to do to bring back old customers and to attract new ones.

Regular customers are savvy enough to know if you're just moving the same products around, and may only come in to stock up on items they already like.

But we're hardwired to look for things that are "new" and different, and shoppers seek that out.

Judy has a no-fail method to keep your store looking "new" and fresh for the holidays.

Judy's Method:
Set up a display table right at the front of your store, so it's the first thing people see. Cover it with a nice tablecloth, a runner or brightly colored place mats, and add a sign that says, "New!" Then stock that table with great new items from new manufacturers with low minimum orders - $100 - $150. (Remember, many manufacturers have lowered their minimum orders or are willing to break case packs these days.)

Stagger delivery from each manufacturer so that something
new arrives each week. You'll always have new and fabulous items on that front table, and the bills won't all come due at the same time. Change the tablecloth or runner from time to time to show the new products off in their best light.

It's a great way to make sure that your store has something fresh and new to offer holiday shoppers, without breaking the bank!

Ann Thariani is a Co-Founder of Gilden Tree, offering natural robes, waffle weave towels, a complete line of natural foot and body care products, and their new 2010 Holiday Gift Collection.
For more information on Gilden Tree, please visit www.gildentreeb2b.com.