June 2013

Winter Winners
A License to Sell
Get a Response
Balloon Recipe
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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
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
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