December 2011

Party Line: A Positive Trend
Shop Talk: Celebrations
Looks Are Everything
Top Trends for 2012
Funny Money
2012 Party Product Licensing List
Driving Your Brand
Store Room
Balloon Recipe
All Articles

Party Line: A Positive Trend
December is our annual Trends Issue, which means I compile a list of things that are on my radar that I think should be on yours for the upcoming year. But if you honestly think I can predict how the next year in the party industry or retail in general will be, you are giving me far too much credit (but I thank you, nonetheless). While I can tell you what I think you should know - and I do on page 30 - there's no way to predict how things will end up next year at this time. Superhero costumes are a given, but no one knows what the next Charlie Sheen "situation" will be. Metallics might be the colors predicted to shine, but all it takes is one royal princess to show off her love of a color to change the tide of » Read more
Shop Talk: Celebrations
Spotlight on: Delphos, Ohio Where award-winning design and service combine for success In the fall of 2004, Tammy Corzine went to a local party store that was closing to ask about purchasing some balloons and equipment. She ended up buying the entire store. They closed the store for a short time to clean, paint restock and reorganize, but by December of 2004, Celebrations in Delphos, Ohio was open for business. "Up until that point, I was a home-based wedding decorator looking to increase my business," Corzine said. "I felt a storefront was the perfect opportunity to gain more exposure and offer a more professional space to meet potential clients, rather than my living room." "My retail background was pretty limited prior to opening the store," she continued, "but I am also a wife, mother, registered nurse, EMT and firefighter, so wearing all of those hats » Read more
Looks Are Everything
How to display costumes to drive sales Successful retailers know you have to show it to sell it, and that's especially true when it comes to costumes and accessories. There are plenty of tools at your disposal to help transform your store into a visually engaging costume gallery - including the tips and tricks below. Floor Them Kristen Meador, assistant director of marketing for Eldorado Trading Company, said the most popular retail displays are floor standing, and are usually versatile in terms of dimensions and style with the ability to hold and promote an entire product line. "With slick design, graphics, lights, and video, these displays become a powerful lure for customers," Meador said. "Coupled with product samples and accessories customers can try on, you've got a formula for bigger profits and satisfied, repeat customers." At Wally's Party Factory/Card & Party Factory stores in Texas, » Read more
Top Trends for 2012
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's time for trends! While I have no super powers of my own to can predict what will be a hit or a miss on store shelves this coming year, I do have it on good authority that sweets will remain strong and the presence of various superheroes will make itself known. Add in a splash of trendy color, an increased online presence and a feather in your cap, and you should be set for a successful 2012. SuperheroesSuperheroes will have a major presence on the big screen in 2012, which means they will have a major presence in party stores in the form of costumes and party goods. Sony will reboot the Spider-Man franchise with "The Amazing Spider-Man," and Nicholas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance in February. In July, Captain America, the » Read more