http://stationerytrendsmagazine.com/index.php/article en aheugel@greatamericanpublish.com Copyright 2012 Mon, 21 May 2012 17:35:40 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-store-room-what-do-you-wish-you-had-known/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-store-room-what-do-you-wish-you-had-known/#id:17318#date:17:35 Our monthly column is devoted to what works and what doesn't - for our readers, from our readers "What do you wish someone would have told you before you started working inthis industry?" Sheryl ObermanStationery Station Highland Park, Ill.I wish I could relate my message to more business owners that customer service is not just a word. It truly means walking your customer through every step of their order or even just spending a few additional minutes on a simple sale. Successful retailers know that it means taking calls and actually asking what the customer… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:35 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/internet-marketing-for-stores/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/internet-marketing-for-stores/#id:17317#date:17:33 Skills required for successful e-commerce differ from traditional retail As an operator of several party supply oriented e-commerce websites, the most common question I get asked is "How can I make my website work better?" While many retailers have visions of trying to launch an e-commerce store, I caution them that the type of skill sets required to succeed in e-commerce are very different than they are for brick and mortar, and without a real commitment of time, money, education and technology, they run the risk of damaging their business by losing focus on the… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:33 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/a-golden-anniversary/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/a-golden-anniversary/#id:17316#date:17:31 Unique Industries celebrates 50 years in business If you've ever seen a SpongeBob SquarePants piñata or a "Barney" birthday plate, then you're familiar with Unique Industries, a leading manufacturer and distributor of party supplies that's celebrating 50 years in business in 2012. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Unique now operates offices and warehouses in seven different locations across North America, Europe and East Asia, and sells millions of pieces of party items each year. In the BeginningIt all started in 1961 when Camden New Jersey native Eb Novak founded Unique Industries with a small business loan and… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:31 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/wear-its-at/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/wear-its-at/#id:17315#date:17:29 Wearables continue to bring in year-round sales No matter what the season or occasion, there seems to be an increasing demand for items that can be worn in connection with the occasion. This makes sense, as although paper goods such as plates, napkins, utensils and decorations are the mainstay of the party industry, many of the occasions and holidays that we celebrate are not done in the home. It is far more often that a bachelorette party occurs in a club or restaurant/bar than in a private home. We also note there is a trend… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:29 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/happy-merry-holidays/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/happy-merry-holidays/#id:17314#date:17:27 A mixture of tradition and trends will keep retail bells ringing Do you say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas"? Display religious icons or Santa? What's appropriate has evolved over the past seasons, and with the ever-growing melting pot of cultural and religious beliefs, it can be confusing for retailers to predict exactly what will sell when it comes to winter holidays. Each store and location will have their own selection depending on their customer base, but a mixture of tradition and trendy is one sure way to keep those register bells jingling throughout the winter… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:27 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/planes-trains-and-automobiles/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/planes-trains-and-automobiles/#id:17313#date:17:23 Rev up those engines for theme party sales There are many farm equipment manufacturers out there, but chances are if you asked someone to name a farm tractor in a major city, the most common answer would be John Deere. The popularity of these iconic green tractors has grown over the years and plowed its way into the party industry, as John Deere tractor parties are popping up all over the country. "This product theme is definitely more popular in the Midwest and more rural areas, but you would be surprised at how popular these… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:23 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/shop-talk-r.e.a.d.-amusements/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/shop-talk-r.e.a.d.-amusements/#id:17312#date:17:20 Spotlight On: Guilford, Conn. Where they rent fun - and just about everything else A stay-at-home mom looking to make some extra money, Eileen Petrillo, now president of R.E.A.D. Amusements in Guilford, Conn., started going out as "famous characters" to children's birthday parties. As she started making money, she began to collect and make rental costumes. The closest competition was about 40 minutes away, so she used one of the spare bedrooms in her home and started filling up racks and racks of costumes. Eventually this room became too crowded and her husband set up… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:20 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/party-line-good-advice/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/party-line-good-advice/#id:17311#date:17:19 It's said the best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others, which makes this issue's Store Room question in which I asked about the best advice that you've received one extra piece to that puzzle. Many of the responses aren't exclusive to retail, but apply to life in general. That makes sense though, doesn't it? In order to get from Point A to Point B in any situation - be it in business or pleasure - you have to carry with you a certain amount of knowledge,… Mon, 21 May 2012 17:19 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-store-room-what-would-you-do-with-10000/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-store-room-what-would-you-do-with-10000/#id:16892#date:15:07 Our monthly column is devoted to what works and what doesn't - for our readers, from our readers "If you were given $10,000 for your store, how would you spend it? Deb KerkstraCreative EventsAllegan, Mich.I think I would throw a block party for our small town so that people would be drawn to not only my shop, but to other great shops that we have. Most people ignore downtown areas thinking we are high priced with items no one needs. What I would love them to find out is that we have really cool shops… Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:07 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/making-headlines/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/making-headlines/#id:16891#date:15:04 Generate your own buzz to get customers lining up Many balloon pros and party retailers rely on word-of-mouth to increase awareness of their business, but sometimes you need to generate the buzz yourself instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you.While you may not realize it, you've probably already experienced a variety of newsworthy events that your community and the local media would find interesting: • Starting a new business - If you've recently started up your retail store or maybe even opened up a new location, don't sit around and wait… Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:04 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/special-delivery/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/special-delivery/#id:16890#date:14:57 Little bundles of joy can deliver big sales First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes those moms-to-be looking to outfit their baby shower with the latest and greatest party products. The good thing about baby showers, for both retailers and moms-to-be, is that there are opportunities for multiple sales of different baby shower products, depending on the people involved. A baby shower with close family and friends may include a half-day event of food, drinks, gifts, photos and games in which baby shower paperware, banners, centerpieces, gift wrap, gift bags, candles, invites, streamers, balloons,… Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:57 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/big-balloon-wedding/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/big-balloon-wedding/#id:16889#date:14:54 ‘Balloon Lady' marries ‘Marathon Man' - in her store Amy Veltman Cullen, CBA and owner of "It's My Party" in Dyer, Ind., believes that balloons are on their way back when it comes to bridal décor. More brides are choosing balloons as a way to decorate, as balloons simply transform a room much better than any other decoration. "High spaces are filled with things from the ceiling such as the balloon drops and arches while mid-space is transformed by unique balloons," Veltman Cullen said. "Bottom and dance floor space are filled with latex balloons hovering… Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:54 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/a-retail-rainbow/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/a-retail-rainbow/#id:16888#date:14:50 Go back to basics with classic colors Classic colors, bold statements, simple phrases and innovative products that can be used for multiple occasions - from red and pink to "going green," these are the things that can help retailers cash in on those everyday party sales. Just like in fashion and home décor, those in the party industry are seeing a lot of classic black and white used as background color with pops of brights like red, hot pink or even silver and gold. "These color combinations are being used in all types of partyware,… Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:50 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/shop-talk-a-pink-gorilla/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/shop-talk-a-pink-gorilla/#id:16887#date:14:47 Spotlight On: Cleveland Where they make each day count, personally and professionally When Cornelia Franklin of A Pink Gorilla started making books from home while caring for her two children in 1984, she didn't envision herself donning a pink gorilla suit and delivering balloons just a few short years later. But a few years later, that's exactly what she did. What progressed to a personalized children's book kiosk has since turned into a 3,000-square-foot full gift and balloon retail shop in downtown Cleveland - A Pink Gorilla - that has worked with everyone from Lady… Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:47 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/party-line-color-your-world/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/party-line-color-your-world/#id:16886#date:14:45 What's your favorite color? The answer is said to reveal something about your personality. Red is the color of strength and vitality, orange appeals to the flamboyant and fun-loving person, yellow usually goes with a sunny and shrewd personality, green symbolizes hope and peace, blue is a soothing color of deliberation and introspection, brown represents stamina and patience, gray is the color of caution and compromise, black gives the appearance of mystery and purples are highly fastidious and witty. While it's simply a matter of personal preference, it's always interesting to hear how people answer… Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:45 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-store-room-how-do-you-make-the-most-of-your-reps/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/the-store-room-how-do-you-make-the-most-of-your-reps/#id:16503#date:14:25 Our monthly column is devoted to what works and what doesn't - for our readers, from our readers "What do you do to make the most of working with your reps?" Lynn AbdelnourHalloween GearPalm Desert, Calif.I have some reps I have worked with for 25 years by now, and when you get to the point of regarding them as one of your true friends, you now have a rep you can lean on and trust they are giving you the best advice you can get in regards to what to order, what not to order,… Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:25 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/overcome-overstock/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/overcome-overstock/#id:16501#date:14:22 Cashing in on last-minute costume sales No retailer wants to be left with large amounts of overstock, because while certain costumes can be reused year-to-year, others are more time-sensitive and based on current trends. The obvious solution? Cash in on those last-minute Halloween sales and then continue to liquidate costume product throughout the rest of the year - both online and in-store. "It's a fact that costumes are needed year-long and retailers with an online presence have an excellent opportunity to quickly and efficiently fulfill year-round shopper necessities," said Sergio Lemus of Disguise. "For small… Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:22 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/trendy-trinkets/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/trendy-trinkets/#id:16500#date:14:20 From pens to personal accessories, give your customers the gift of variety Most people know they can go to a party store and get a variety of party supplies such as balloons, plates, costumes and favors. But not many of those people know they can also get a variety of affordable gifts while they're there. As retailers, you already have them in your store for the basics, so why not remind them that many of those same items make great gifts as well? "It's important for independent party stores to keep a generous selection of… Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:20 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/up-in-years/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/up-in-years/#id:16499#date:14:14 In case you didn't get the memo, I'll let you in on a secret - it appears 50 is the hot age to celebrate right now. But while "50 is fabulous," the general trend is to incorporate any age into the celebration, most often through balloons. "Whether we decorate for a 1-year-old's party or a 70-year-old's, we noticed the trend is to incorporate their name and/or age into the decorating," said Debbie Pizzuto of Balloon Break & Baskets Too in Lansing, Ill. "Years ago we used to spell out names and ages with aluminum tubing… Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:14 GMT http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/shop-talk-vintage-costumes/ http://partypaper.com/index.php/magazine/article/shop-talk-vintage-costumes/#id:16498#date:14:11 Spotlight on: Scottdale, Pa. From dusty barn to rustic retail Ten years ago, an old barn was swept of dust, removed of chicken roosts and transformed into a rustic retail shop. Brian Corcoran, owner of Vintage Costumes LLC in Scottdale, Pa., had been involved in the world of automotive sales and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and found putting on something for Halloween was a kind of relaxation. So after years of privately putting on parties and figuring out costuming for them with old costumes and vintage clothing that had been stored in trunks, he decided… Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:11 GMT