Party & Paper Retailer articles from October 1997

Party & Paper Retailer archives from October 1997

Good old-fashioned success. (success story of a party-merchandise retailer)
October 1, 1997... Seventy-one year old Ruth Petty has been running Robin's Party Shop for the last 33 years. For over three decades, this retailer has had no problem remaining popular amidst competition from the big retail stores. What's her secret? Staying very...

Low-cost business builders - A to Z!
October 1, 1997... Aside from the usual newspaper, direct mail, TV and radio advertising - what else can a party retailer do to sales? Take a look at these 26 ideas, many of which can be accomplished on a shoe-string budget: Anniversary parties. Host a party or...

Affairs of the heart. (St. Valentine's Day selling in party merchandise stores)
October 1, 1997... Valentine's Day, February 14th, is a holiday rooted in love, gratitude, and appreciation. This year, the most romantic holiday of the year falls on a Saturday, which, in turn, creates a three-day celebration for your customers. Dear retailers -...

Rating your store.
October 1, 1997... We've all shopped stores that have made such a bad first impression, we've vowed they won't have the opportunity to make a second. But even if you consider yourself a critical shopper, you may have a blind spot when it comes to evaluating your...

Irish aisles. (selling on St. Patrick's Day)
October 1, 1997... St. Patrick's Day, March 17, has always been a celebration of heritage and culture, with retailers catering solely to the Irish clientele. Yet, this years' holiday party merchandise reveals more than your average green shamrock, but instead...

The Easter parade. (selling)
October 1, 1997... Start lining up - the Spring parade of new product will soon begin. All eyes on our first attraction featuring a message that reads: "Start Advertising in February:" * Use the seasons bright colors and pastel shades for advertisements...

Lighten up! (party stores' specialty offerings)
October 1, 1997... Your customers are looking for new and different things. Give 'em what they want by creating your own brand of in-store magic. Imagine taking $10 worth of materials and turning that into a $20 to $30 sale. It can be done with a little extra...

"Oops- the Yellow pages blew our ad!"
October 1, 1997... If your business relies on Yellow Pages advertising, mistakes in the directory can be costly. For an entire year, customers will see wrong information or possibly no ad at all. Yes, bad things can happen to good businesses. So, what are your...

Getting visual: 14 rules to show and sell.
October 1, 1997... Here's a brief primer - or refresher course - an the fundamentals of visual merchandising: 1. If they don't see it, you won't sell it. Give your customers a great view of your merchandise. 2. When it is possible, merchandise should be...

Bear hugs. (balloon decoration)
October 1, 1997... This heartfelt arrangement is sure to win extra attention for a variety of "loverly" occasions. PREPARATION Glue the foam piece into the 6" clay pot and fill with newspaper. Using the glue-gun, attach the moss to hide the newspaper. Place...