Party and Paper Magazine

A Natural Fit

Growing up I remember the thrill of catching butterflies. I would wander around the yard with my miniature net, flailing my arms in an attempt to secure these beautiful creatures. Once safely placed in my butterfly cage, I would promptly let them go — an animal lover right from the start. It turns out that despite the integration of technology and electronic things in our lives, the mystique and intrigue of nature is still something that piques shopper interest. Today nature-themed parties and products — whether covered in ladybugs, bumblebees, owls or safari animals — still catch the eye of shoppers young and old. The story in this issue takes a look at some of the more popular creepy, crawly and cute patterns and products and how to appeal to the senses of shoppers looking to net a new theme. But it doesn’t just end…  » Read more

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Shop Talk: Ultimate Party Super Store

Spotlight On: Hendersonville, Tenn. Retail, rentals and products galore   The best piece of advice John Fuqua, owner of Ultimate Party Super Store in Hendersonville, Tenn., has received is to just worry about what they’re doing with their business. “While I need to be aware of what the competition is doing,” Fuqua said, “I have to stay focused on our store and what will make it successful.” When Fuqua and his wife opened the doors in 2008, Ultimate Party Super Store was successful selling party supplies and quickly expanded into the rental business a year later. They now offer everything from party and wedding supplies to invitations, bounce houses and Halloween costumes and accessories. Despite the large number of items offered, Fuqua prides himself on their customer service. As soon as customers walk in they’re greeted and helped with finding what they need. “We take…  » Read more

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Creepy, Crawly and Cute

Simple ideas to turn pests into profits   You can’t turn around these days without seeing something with ladybugs, bumblebees or some other insect or small animal. What was once considered a pest at times is now considered a popular theme for a party.   And why not?   “It follows the bright and bold color trend we’ve seen get popular in the past year or two,” said Kacey Curry of Creative Converting, “and a lot of these themes include a bold print like polka dots or stripes too, so customers get the best of both worlds with a cute motif like a ladybug or bumblebee.” Insects have always been popular with kids, and people from all generations can remember catching butterflies, lightning bugs and other fun creepy-crawly insects. “Plus, insects are cool — some are gross, some are dangerous, some are beautiful,” said Steve…  » Read more

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Pet Shop Profits

Costumes, wearable accessories for four-legged friends are here to stay   According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 62 percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 millions homes. And considering the National Retail Federation projected Americans spent $370 million on pet costumes for Halloween last year, it’s no surprise that this is becoming a rapidly-growing profit segment for retailers year round. Answering the call — or the bark — to help supply shoppers in this niche, Rubie’s Costume Co. recently launched Rubie’s Pet Shop Boutique, a line of costumes and accessories for furry friends. Party & Paper Retailer talked to Erin Breig, sales and product development for Rubie’s, about this new line and why retailers should be aware of these wearables. PPR: Why do you think there has been such an increase in consumer spending when it comes to…  » Read more

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The Store Room: What is your biggest retail frustration?

Our monthly column is devoted to what works and what doesn’t — for our readers, from our readers “What is your biggest retail frustration?"   Sean Alarid Halloween Illusions LLC Torrance, Calif. My biggest retail frustration is how other stores sell the same items sometimes for near cost or only mark them up very little. I wish the Halloween/costume industry was like the electronic industry when, for example, you purchase an Apple, Xbox, Playstation, etc. the prices are set by the manufacturer and items can’t be sold below that price. Everyone could make money and be playing on the same field. Another example of how bad it is sometimes is that Target sells a Spider-Man costume for $12 just to get you in. I sell the same costume for around $20 because I paid $11.50 to 12.50 for it. There are so many manufacturers that…  » Read more

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