Stock Unique, Special Gifts

Meghan Boyer

In an era where everything from antique toys to discounted books is readily available on the Internet, it’s no wonder shoppers are increasingly turning to online sources instead of specialty stores to purchase gifts. The way people shop for gifts is changing dramatically, with more shoppers focused on saving time and money by heading online for purchases, says Pam Danziger, who has studied the gifts and decorative accents market. This is a frightening development for garden center merchants with giftware departments.

The key for retail success with giftware items is to stay important to consumers with items that are “out of the ordinary, new, fresh and special,” says Pam. “The giftware market is a fashion business and companies are rewarded primarily for innovating and offering something new to consumers.”

Bottom line: If the store down the street carries the same giftware line, switch it up and bring in something new. If it’s exciting enough, you’ll be rewarded with eager gift-buyers in your store rather than home surfing the web.