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Are you planning a vacation this year? You and your customers may have altered your plans in light of the nationwide financial instability. There’s no question that the economy is changing the way we travel, and considering that most of your stores are located in destination locations, this can have a big impact on your business.
However, there may be some good news for retailers, as an article in USA Today found that families are going back to the basics. So rather than take a two-week vacation to Europe or book a cruise to the Caribbean, they may go to a national park, an amusement park or a museum close to home instead.
"Fundamentally, our guests still have a need to get away and have fun with their friends and families," said David Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. "Even when gas was $4 a gallon in 2008, people continued to visit theme parks — they simply selected parks closer to home."
This gives you reason to be cautiously optimistic for the upcoming summer season. Many hotels and resorts are offering promotions and discounts to encourage families to visit, using inexpensive packages to bring back business any way they can.
And while it may seem contradictory, by taking day trips or traveling closer to home, customers may have a bit more money to spend on things from the store. As a retailer, it will be up to you to remain positive and to help them enjoy whatever vacation experience they’re having — hopefully purchasing a souvenir on their way out.
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Mary Koppenheffer
National Sales Manager
MCM Group Gift Division
What makes your company unique?
MCM started in a small storefront in Chelsea, Mich., about 18 years ago and now occupies a 30,000-square-foot warehouse/production facility, shipping product around the world. We imprint much of our product here in the U.S. That allows us to offer custom-decorated ceramic mugs, license plate frames, tote bags and teddy bears with T-shirts, all with minimums that are generally lower than product decorated overseas.
In 2007, we installed state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to improve production of our ceramic mugs. Using a patented process, the mugs are imprinted with a custom design that becomes sealed within a polymer coating. The colors of the art show through, yet the mugs are fully dishwasher and microwave safe for years to come. No lead, cadmium or other heavy metals are used in the process or cleanup.
Our MCM complex in Michigan includes a teddy bear tour and a retail store. Within the store is a doll and toy museum that includes original designs like the 1905 Steiff teddy bear.
What is your retail background?
Although I started my career in accounting and finance 30 years ago, my background is in sales. MCM built its business with college bookstores and the military first — gift and specialty retail came later.
What is the most popular product you sell?
For specialty retailers, especially zoos and nature centers, our top items are those in our Wildlife Café line — ColorMax ceramic mugs, glass cutting boards and our eco-friendly canvas tote. License plate frames and nylon drawstring bags have been top sellers as well and our plush is popular in part because it includes custom decoration — we don’t sell “naked” plush.
What trade shows do you attend?
It varies from year to year, but generally we present our products at the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, as well as trade marts in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Denver, Seattle and San Francisco and the NY Gift Show.
What are the least and most expensive products you sell?
MCM custom decorates pens, pencils, magnets and lanyards on the lower end. Our Connor bear, made from head to paw in our factory in Michigan, is on the high end at about $50.
What advice do you have for retailers?
Offer as much variety as your store can support — it keeps visitors in the store longer. |
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Compared to last year at this
time, are your sales this year:
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Grasslands Road Launches Profit Margin Builder for Retailers
Grasslands Road, the gift division of Amscan Inc., has launched their Everyday Enrichment Incentive for retailers to increase their profit margins and better navigate the current economy.
World Market Center Las Vegas Announces June 2010 "Gift + Home" Market
World Market Center Las Vegas recently announced plans to launch its first ancillary market - "Gift + Home" - June 13-16, 2010.
February Denver Gift Show: Upbeat & Busy
Buyers turned out for the February 2009 Denver Merchandise Mart Gift, Home, Jewelry & Resort Show in numbers nearly matching last February's.
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Bamboo Style Earrings
The beauty of nature lives on in these bamboo-style amber earrings. Fossilized resin from prehistoric trees lends salability to the conscious consumer.
Vessel International
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Sweet Success
Use candy and snacks to increase your impulse sales. Pennsylvania Dutch Candles caters to museums, zoos, gift shops, and more.
Pennsylvania Dutch Candles
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Twilight Sea Turtle
Cloud B's Twilight Sea Turtle fills a room in hues of blue and green and casts a starry sky to help children fall asleep. Storybook and educational guide included.
Cloud B
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Turning Points
Up With Paper's new Turning Points Greeting Cards are merchandised in 12-pocket corrugates, 28-pocket spinners or in-line.
Up With Paper
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TEXT-ONLY ADS ARE AVAILABLE!
Call Gavin Cribbs to find out how you can advertise your product or business in this special text-only ad area! 800-825-0900, ext. 109 |
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