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Presented by Schleich, World of Knights Comes Alive at Silver Dollar City KidsFest
NYIGF To Showcase More Than 300 International Companies
Fiesta Introduces New Line of Paul Frank Plush Toys
How has the economy affected how you price your products as compared to last year?
LOGOBTTM

Although we’re all tired of talking about it, the issue of the troubled economy isn’t going away any time soon. I don’t know about you, but I’ve just started taking every new report, warning or update with a grain of salt. I can hear optimism one day and more doom and gloom the next, sometimes from the very same source. There’s nothing retailers can do about the situation except continue to provide excellent products with excellent customer service — something that will never be passé.

The publication business isn’t much different. It’s scary how many newspapers and magazines are folding under the economic strain, eliminating hard copies or distributing information solely on the Internet. Personally, I still enjoy reading something tangible, something I can take with me outside or bring over to show a friend — a hard copy not hardwired.

However, I still benefit greatly from all the information on the Web and looking ahead, we hope that Museums & More can bring you the best of both worlds—a paper publication you can enjoy any time, anywhere and a Web site that offers you something just a little bit more.

With that said, I want to know what it is that we can bring to our Web site to better serve you. Are you interested in more videos? More store spotlights? More interactive product features? Whatever it is that you would like to see, please drop me a line and let me know.

We want our Web site to be as beneficial as possible and this is your chance to tell us what you want and what we can do to help you grow your business and our industry. So take a minute to think, jot some stuff down and send it my way. I look forward to hearing from you!




Ramona Pariente
President, Safari Ltd.


What is your retail background?
In the 1980s, I had a furniture design showroom in the Design District in Miami, Fla. These years of direct contact with the end consumer only solidified the fact that the “client is always right.” Remaining true to this basic concept has assisted in increasing Safari’s business in the last few years. Listening and never underestimating the intelligence of the end consumer is essential.

What is your most popular product you sell?
Historically, dinosaur themed products have always been the strongest sellers. Although dinosaurs are still one of our best sellers, we now have new additions that have “blasted out of the gate.”  Examples of these new and very popular collections are our large Blue Ribbon horse collectibles and extra large Wildlife Wonders animal replicas. We have been so delighted with these collections, and so have our retailers, that Safari has introduced extra large and very child friendly farm animals called Barnyard Buddies for 2009.

Please explain any trends you have noticed in the industry.
During these challenging times, I am noticing how people seek out comfort; in food choices, in places they visit and also how they spend time with their family. This trend to balance the stressful technological world with “good old fashioned” imaginative play has resurfaced stronger than ever. Children and their parents have expressed their delight, not only in engaging in shared play, but also learning about the wondrous world and the animals that inhabit it.

What trade shows do you attend?
Safari attends many domestic and international shows each calendar year. Due to my busy schedule, I mainly attend the larger shows like Toy Fair in New York and the toy fair in Germany.
 
What is your favorite part about working in this industry?
I enjoy creating and bringing to market the most unique and highest quality replica collections that really delight our followers. I am always moved when someone tells me how much they appreciate the quality and uniqueness of my collections. Receiving letters from small children from around the country expressing their delight is always so delightful and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
 
What advice do you have for retailers?
It is important to remain focused on how to increase sales. Creating an environment that encourages the client to “hang out” is a key component, whether it is with soft, environmental lighting that enhances the products, playing soft soothing music on an IPod or offering the treat of the week like cookies or candy. Repeat business is a must. Freshen your windows every two or three months. Rotate stock in the store. People feel this energy and will remember it. Don’t get discouraged. And remember to always smile!

How has the economy affected
how you price your products
as compared to last year?


Presented by Schleich, World of Knights Comes Alive at Silver Dollar City KidsFest
The Medieval World of Knights comes to life at KidsFest in Branson, Mo., this summer at a new interactive exhibit presented by Schleich and Silver Dollar City theme park.

NYIGF To Showcase More Than 300 International Companies
More than 300 companies from 39 countries and five continents will participate in the summer edition of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), creating an extensive offering of global gift and home resources.

Fiesta Introduces New Line of Paul Frank Plush Toys
Fiesta has announced a new collection of collectible plush toys featuring the iconic characters from the world of fashion brand Paul Frank Industries (PFI).

 



ASTRA'S Marketplace and Academy

June 14-17, St. Paul/Minneapolis
www.astratoy.org

Atlanta Fall Gift and Home Furnishings Market
July 8-24, Atlanta
www.americasmart.com

California Gift Show
July 17-20, Los Angeles
www.californiagiftshow.com


Click here to see a complete trade show calendar.

BTTMSHADOW
Animal Instinct
CatArt Cards features exquisite fine art note cards reproduced from colored pencil cat portraits.
CatArt Notecards
Play By the Numbers
With Sequence Numbers from Jax Ltd., the cards have the equations and the game board has the answers. Each card has an equation.
Jax, Ltd.
Doggone Good
The MintBox has finally gone to the dogs. New all natural dog treats are packed per your order and bagged specifically for your location.
MintBox
Designs from Nature
Dragonflies and frogs; butterflies and fish; flowers, lizards and whimsical designs join the Tamohara Collection of sterling silver jewelry.
Tamohara Collection

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