Demdaco introduces ‘Rustic Grace’ crosses

Demdaco’s new “Rustic Grace” line features artistic designs with a old-world feel.

The 2011 introduction features earthy colors infused with turquoise, orange and red shades. The collection of crosses and wall art retails for $13-$64. The turquoise framed cross (pictured) retails for $17.

For more information, visit www.demdaco.com. To order, call 888-336-3226.

Wee Believers’ toys ‘make faith fun’

Wee Believers unveiled 22 new toys designed to “make faith fun” at Toy Fair 2011, held Feb. 13-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The launch included wooden and plush toys, placemats, accessories and seasonal items.

Some of the new arrivals were a soft, floppy-legged Lil’ Prayer Buddy, a plush lamb with a Listen and Learn feature that at a touch of the lamb’s ear plays prayers recited by a child and the My Bible Bag polka-dot and striped tote for carrying a child’s Bible. A wood lacing toy aims focuses on church symbols, while memory verses printed on the back reinforce core values.

DaySpring achieves landmark goal

Cardmaker DaySpring has achieved its long-standing goal of touching 1 billion people in a year with its products—a figure the company hopes to replicate each successive year.

Several years ago, company leadership envisioned DaySpring’s products and services touching 1 billion people annually by 2010, and that goal was reached last December.             

“Touches,” one way the company uses to measure ministry effectiveness, are initiated by a consumer purchase.

P. Graham Dunn prepares for Dealer Conference

P. Graham Dunn is hosting its 11th Annual Dealer Conference, March 22-23, at the Buckeye Event Center in Dalton, Ohio. The event aims to draw together stores that carry Dunn’s products for inspiration and education.

Laser College training will be offered for retailers wanting to learn about P. Graham Dunn’s personalized products. Other seminars on the subject of displays, branding and marketing are also on the schedule, as well as a “Learning From Some of the Best” roundtable discussion led by Peter Dunn, founder and former president of P. Graham Dunn.

‘GiftBeat’ says Barbour is tops

Barbour Publishing ranks at the top of the gift market, according to GiftBeat, an independent rating organization that provides gift information to retailers on a subscription basis.

Good Gift expands cross line

Good Gift Co. introduced its extended line of holding crosses in a debut exhibit at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, last month.

New to the collection is an option that allows engraving to personalize the palm-sized crosses created to offer comfort to the sick and to help in prayer and meditation. Also new is a slightly larger Household Blessing cross that retails for $12.75.

Special communionware assists overseas market

Health concerns prompted new communion supplies being introduced to international buyers last month at the Christian Trade Association International (CTAI) convention in Atlanta, last month, by Artistic Manufacturing.

New licenses for VeggieTales

Big Idea Entertainment has announced the expansion of the licensing program for its VeggieTales brand. The company has recently signed agreements with several partners across key categories, including shaped Mylar and latex balloons from CTI Industries, wooden puzzles and trains from the American Puzzle Company, plush pillow and blanket combinations from Zoobies, children’s guitars with Victory Designs and index tabs, stickers, temporary tattoos and wall clings with Tabbies.

DaySpring’s recordable storybooks

DaySpring recently announced the exclusive release of its first Recordable Storybook Collection for Christian retail stores.

The first title, Bedtime Prayers and Promises, will be available the middle of this month and will feature voice-save technology, enabling the reader’s voice to be recorded into the book. As the young reader—or pre-reader—turns each page, the recorded voice “reads” the story.

Sherry Morris

Marketing manager

Carpentree

With Mother’s Day approaching, what types of products should stores have in stock? Generally, it is always best to offer a range of price points and a breadth of product, too. From large art to less expensive items like journals or photo frames, consumers need a range to choose from. In terms of breadth, a collection “look” can offer a range of price points, and a number of different pieces from which to choose. If a customer is attracted to a “look” in a gift-collection display, offering a selection of items and prices will bring a cha-ching to retail registers. Customers appreciate well-presented choices.

Also, endearing framed art or other gift items offer verses like “Virtuous Woman” or thoughts that honor moms still bring a tear to her eye. Desktop treasures include figurines, small photo frames, gift books, framed-art gifts and small ceramics. Offer a large framed art piece on an easel with a sign: Would mom like to redecorate? New art refreshes décor.

Are there any trends to be aware of? Functional gifts seem to be a trend. Useful items that make mom’s world prettier still make great gifts, but are still things to help her get through her busy day. Moms still love items like keepsake boxes, trays, photo frames, tea-for-one ceramics, Bible covers (both print and electronic) and jewelry. Merchandise a range of functional selections together. Pinks, trendy patterns like animal prints and swirls are a few design trends to note.

In terms of pricing, what do you expect consumers will be buying for mom this year? It is very important to offer a range of price points, rather than focusing on a price the retailer thinks a customer will pay. If retailers focus on low-end items, sales will be missed. Retailers may run the risk of becoming associated in the customer’s mind as a store with “cheap” product. There is inherent value in giving customers choices. Customers gather information in the blink of an eye. Make sure the messages they receive about your store communicate who you are as a gift store with good, better and best products.
   
How can stores add on to sales-per-customer this season? I saw a clever display in a local store. In the center of the store, near the gift cards, a store offered several gift bags, already stuffed with tissue. The bags were plain, colored bags to cute and trendy. The message was clear—buy and bag gifts here. On a separate display nearby, there were a number of inexpensive low-end items that would be perfect gift add-ons.

What recommendations do you have for merchandising/display of Mother’s Day products? Merchandise with collections, colors, themes and then offer a range of price points within the display. Create ambiance that invites customers to look for gifts in your store. Window displays, signage, front-of-store feature vignettes and other areas that make sense for Mother’s Day product should all clearly show that customers will find Mother’s Day gifts in the store.

Think lifestyle displays, too. Create a display with a gift bag for a soccer mom that features a bag with items mom can listen to in the car or read while she’s waiting to pick up a child from music lessons. Or, offer mom some pampering with coffees, teas and other food items with a tea-for-one or other ceramic teacups, or other mugs. Mother’s Day is a great day to celebrate through creative merchandising in Christian retail.