asd gift + novelties product guide

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2016ASDMARKETWEEK

ASDMARKETWEEK / Gift + Novelties Buying Guide 2016 / asdonline.com 2

Gift + Novelties: A $19 Billion Industry in 2016The U.S. gift, novelty, and souvenir store industry includes about 30,000 stores with combined projected annual revenue of about $19 billion in 2016 - with no signs of slowing.* This is the ideal category of product for every shop to carry.

Today, consumers are looking for products (and shops) that are interesting, unique, and allow for an expression of personality to stand out from the crowd. In other words, that impulse buy!

It’s also about bringing a sense of humor and convenience to your buying decisions (i.e. those ugly holiday sweaters are here to stay).

Let’s get started!

In this report you’ll find:

6 3 5 1Key gift & novelties trends that will drive

sales now

Retail tips that will supercharge your

sales

Staples: Gift + Novelties you should

always carry

Curated directory of vendors to contact and visit at Gift + Novelties

at ASD in 2016

(source* First Research and Statista)


The Key to Gift and Novelties Retail Success

effective product selection, on-trend, high-margin

the ability to generate store traffic offline and online

in-store events and seasonal promotions

social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.)

providing a unique customer experience

expert merchandising


The Handmade Revolution: Kitsch-Meets-Do-It-Yourself#1These are exciting times. Anyone with a good idea and a well-honed craft can sell handmade goods and make money doing it. One thing’s for sure: Etsy helped turn “handmade” into a must-have retail category - which is great for your business (and a welcome break for the tech-obsessed)!

SHOP THE TRENDW&P DesignBootleg Botanicals UPixel USAMakers KitK&K Tabletops

See it on Social: Your Must-Know Hashtags and Keywords#handmade#stationery#giftstore#mug and #mugs#etsygifts#diygifts

Product to stockDream Catchers | Terrariums | Etsy-Inspired Craft and Hobby | DIY Craft Project Kits: Crocheting, Cocktail Kits, Knitting Patterns / Tutorials | Hanging Earth Planters | “Make Your Own” Jewelry and Bead Sets | Macrame Anything

http://www.bootlegbotanicals.com/store-front

http://www.upixelusa.com

http://www.upixelusa.com

http://www.makerskit.com


#2

Emoji Marketing FactStudies show that if you include an emoji in your email newsletter subject lines your open rate spikes!

SHOP THE TRENDRhode Island NoveltySmiley WorldBigmouth Inc.Nila AnthonyGet on Fleek

Step Up Your Emoji Game With the Latest BatchDid you know there are hundreds of new emojis? Stay ahead of the curve and make sure to include these as part of your offerings

In an era when the Oxford Dictionary crowned the “tears of joy” emoji “2015’s Word of the Year” (as the visual incarnation of LOL), it’s no surprise that emojis have a huge influence on product trends.

Emojis, better known as those small, cute digital icons everyone uses in electronic communications (texts, emails, etc.), will continue to be everywhere in 2016. Go beyond just smiley-face emojis and your store (or site) will be set.

Emojis Forever, LOL: This Trend is Here to Stay

Product to stockPillows | Stickers | Placemats | Mugs | Totes | Wallets | Small Purses


Which came first? Humor or the booze? This intoxicating accessories product trend opens your shop and e-commerce site to customers from almost every demographic, from collegiate to boomers. Who couldn’t use a wine goblet the size of a small child?

I’ll Drink to That! Wine + Booze-Related Gifts/Accessories#3SHOP THE TRENDEZ-Jello Shot CompanyW&P designSmuggle Your BoozeEarthly BodySign of the timeR Expo (USA) Inc. Song of IndiaBaxbo / Flask Tie / Flask ScarfMostly Signs Funqigifts Hanna’s Handiworks Bigmouth IncMakers Kit

Products to stockNecklaces | Vintage + Irreverent Signs | Wine Shower/Bath Holder | Kitsch Openers | Funny T-Shirts | Curiously-Shaped Wine Glasses | Watch Wine Openers | Cocktail Kits, Brew-Your Own | Beer Pong Stuff | Wine-Scented Candles | Red Solo Cup Kitsch | Shot Glasses

https://www.etsy.com/listing/234419348/its-not-drinking-alone-if-your-cats-home?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/234419348/its-not-drinking-alone-if-your-cats-home?


#4 Sox Sells

Are those argyles you’re wearing or are you just happy to see me? Socks are the high-margin canvas where almost anything goes. The more irreverent, quirky, and even sexy, the better. Get your own sock section started at your shop.

Bundle AlertSelling footwear? Socks are an easy, revenue-exploding add-on!

SHOP THE TRENDUnemployed Philosophers Guild Uni HosierySocksmithSox World IncEverbright Inc.

Prints to stockCats | Nautical | Animals | Unicorns | Hearts | Sugar Skills | Food | Vintage Pin-Ups | Funky Patterns | Emojis (of course)

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=cat%20socks


Coordinate your inventory with the best movies’ iconic characters and your sell-through will thank you even well after the movie comes out. Want to see what’s in the pipeline?

Movies to watchStar WarsMinionsMarvel SuperherosX-MenAvengers

SHOP THE TRENDIcup IncCostume AgentPyramid AmericaThe Pirate PipelineSpoontiques

#5 May the (Blockbuster Movie) Force and Sales Be With You: Licensed to Make Bank

Check out Rotten Tomatoes for an overview of the merchandise blockbusters coming to a theater (or Netflix) near you.

Products to stockSuperhero Aprons | Batman Ice Cube Trays | Storm Trooper Salt And Pepper-Shakers | Minion Plush Toys | Lego Anything

http://www.rottentomatoes.com


SHOP THE TRENDBig Mouth IncChef CraftNovelty Gift CoSiu & Sons TradingStreamline GiftsXO MintsPrimary Colors

Hot sauce, candy, donuts, fruit, vegetables, lollipops - anything that looks edible, but isn’t, is going to be a big seller this year.

#6 Hot Sauce = Hot Trends: Embrace These Food-Inspired Money Makers

Product to stockInflatables In Candy Themes | Plush Hot Sauce And Condiment Toys | Funny Napkins | Candy Cannisters And Paint Pails | Rock Candy | Giant Fillable Easter Eggs| Lollipop Pen And Eraser Kits | Donuts

ASDMARKETWEEK / Gift + Novelties Buying Guide 2016 10

ASD’s Top 3 Retail Tips: Putting it all Together

Tip #1: Merchandising + Selling Trend: It’s Called “Bundling!”Definition: the art of bundling is finding interesting, creative connections between products - and pairing those customized product selections for your customers to purchase.

Get Started:Curate 3 or more products according to a theme and sell those as a unit in your shop, site, or online marketplace.

Bundling Benefits:Higher margins: Customers see the well-curated “bundle” as more valuable than the sum of its individual components. If you bundle well, consumers will pay a premium for your taste and choices.

Customer convenience: Take pressure out of pairing products for your customers with a customized all-in-one selection of trending items - this convenience drives value.

Establishes loyalty: Bundles create a hook, convey your unique brand personality, and provide a competitive advantage.

Customers see the well-curated bundle as more valuable than the sum of its individual components, and they’re willing to pay accordingly, which is great news for retailers. - Katharyne Shelton, bundling + online selling expert



Tip #2 Crossover Buying = Transform Your Gift Shop Revenue Adding high margin fashion + accessories items to your gift/novelties mix can significantly increase your revenue and vice versa.

We’ve also embraced the trend in fashion accessories and clothing, especially one-size-fits-all, ready-to-wear pieces. That’s turned our business around.- Lee Patterson, St. Vincent’s Hospital Gift Shops, Birmingham, Alabama

We sell a lot of gifts and a lot of fashion, with fashion having the largest growth in the last 10 years. We’ve gone from about 10 percent of what would have been termed ‘fashion,’ to almost 50 percent today.- Bruce Leahy, Founder Quips N’ Quotes

“Boho” has been a huge trend and continues to be a big trend with tassels on necklaces and earrings with organic stones.- Monica Czerniak, Head National Buyer, Suzy Shier

Crossover items to keep an eye on in 2016:

JewelryLeggingsScarves

Tunic TopsShawls Scarves

PonchosLeggingsHats

Insider TipFind these items at ASD Market Week too!



Tip #3 Did You Know? Travel and Tourism Drives Gift Shop Sales

Travel and tourism is one of the biggest industries in the U.S.

In 2014 direct travel spending in the United States totaled $927 billion - by domestic and international travelers - and is expected to grow at least 4% annually.

Consumer spending, special occasions, and travel help drive productdemand. Souvenir-savvy gifts and novelties like:

Stock your shop accordingly!

Learn More About Bundling:Head over to the ASD Insider Blog and search “bundling” for a quick tutorial »

PostcardsMapsCapsMugs

Cell Phone Cases PensPendantsCookbooks

Historical BooksAlma Mater MemorabiliaFashion JewelryDestination Apparel

**U.S. Travel Association, SBDCNet, Statista

http://insider.asdonline.com/product-bundling-in-2015/


Mugs & Mason JarsThis is a great way to show some personality with funny, irreverent mugs (and even pitchers too). These will make your customers smile and deliver huge returns.

Vendors: Unemployed Philosophers Guild, Big Mouth Inc., Culturenik/Classico, Just Funky

Mason JarsVendors: XXX, XXX, XXX

Tech, Mobile Phone, and Electronics AccessoriesPerfect for Point of Sale (POS)! Stock colorful and functional flash drives, mobile phone cases, chargers, keyboard accessories, headphones and basically anything for the iPhone. Customers will pay a premium for convenience!

Vendors: Cajole, Geek Tech Mobile Accessories, iDecoz, Scosche Industries

Office Supplies/Office-related KitschFrom traditional to trendy, office supplies and accessories are always in-season whether it’s time for “back to school” or securing that summer internship! Vendors: Allary Corporation, Aeropen, EasyPag, Honey Can Do Intl

Journals/ScrapbooksEvery customer will appreciate seeing your store stocked with staples like stationery, journals and scrapbooks. A personal touch never goes out of style. Vendors: Gallant Greetings, Gator Greetings, Hartley & Marks/Paperblank, Papaya!

Journals/Scrapbook (stationery)

Dorm Décor / Dorm Room “Chic”College-bound customers (and alumni) are craving collectible, homey items with a bit more style that easily transition from func-tional to fashionable. Take product cues from Pottery Barn Teen (PB Teen), Urban Outfit-ters, and Bed Bath & Beyond and put your own unique spin on dorm room accents.Vendors: Boelter Brands, Hanna's Handiworks, Lucky Horse, Surya

Staples: Timeless, High-Margin Treasures That are Always in Style

Bundle Alert!Combine multiple dorm-related products into a high-margin set.


The Experts Weigh In on Gift + Novelties Product Trends

The next iteration of gift shop trends will cater more to the millennial generation, who prefers electronics and handcrafted jewelry to cookie jars and angel ornaments.- Lee Patterson, St. Vincent’s Hospital Gift Shops

These days the traditional notion of the "Gift Store" is evolving in amazing ways. I'm seeing convenience stores and even car washes taking a more gift-y approach with their merchandise. Add-ons like postcards, collectibles, and kitschy memorabilia are incredible margin-makers. -Holly Harris, Show Director, ASD Gift+Home

Decorative nail files, novelty keychains, trendy earrings, hand sanitizer, fun coasters and stylish mittens are all great examples of what you can add to your assortment of check out area items. This is prime space to gain more attention and more dollars from your customers.- Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, Founder/Publisher of Retail Minded, The Independent Retailer Conference, and Forbes columnist


About Gift + Novelties at ASD

ASDMARKETWEEK

Already registered?Research specific products and make appointments at ASD with the vendors above using our show planner.

FREE

BONUS

Buyer RegistrationGet your free ticket to Gift + Novelties at ASD here - and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Store Makeover!

February 28-March 2, 2016 Las Vegas Convention Center600+ vendors and 1,000s of new products 90+ free retail education sessions

Gift + Novelties at ASD is the largest wholesale gift, novelties, toy, and decorative accessories trade show in the U.S., connecting retailers with trending products at the highest margins anywhere.

Your ticket also gets you into Fashion + Accessories at ASD!

Follow ASD Market Week on Instagram for the latest product trends and up-to-the-minute event info! #ASDShow

The ASD Insider BlogHead over to the ASD Insider blog for year-round retail advice, free trend reports, and how-tos!

https://n1b.goexposoftware.com/events/asdm16/goExpo/public/index.php

http://marketing.asdonline.com/818_gift_novelties/

http://instagram.com/asdshow?ref=badge

http://instagram.com/asdshow?ref=badge


Vendor Directory - Shop The Trends#1 The Handmade Revolution

W&P Designhttp://wandpdesign.com/

Bootleg Botanicalshttp://www.bootlegbotanicals.com/ UPixel USAhttp://www.upixelusa.com/

Makers Kit*http://makerskit.com/

K&K Tabletops*http://www.kandktabletops.com/

#2 Emojis Forever, LOL

Rhode Island Novelty*http://www.rinovelty.com/

Smiley World*http://luminousartconcepts.com/

Bigmouth Inc*http://www.bigmouthinc.com/

Nila Anthony*http://www.nila-anthony.com/

Get On Fleekhttp://www.getonfleek.com/

#3 I'll Drink to That!

EZ-Jello Shot Company*http://www.ez-squeeze.com/

W&P Designhttp://wandpdesign.com/

Smuggle Your Booze*http://www.smuggleyourbooze.com/

Earthly Body*http://earthlybody.com/

Sign of the Time*http://www.sottproducts.com

R Expo (USA) Inc. Song of India*http://www.songofindia.com

Baxbo / Flask Tie / Flask Scarf*http://www.flasktie.com

Funqigifts http://www.fun qigifts.com/

Hanna’s Handiworks*http://www.hannashandiworks.com/ Bigmouth Inc*http://www.bigmouthinc.com/

Makers Kit*http://makerskit.com/

#4 Sox Sells

Unemployed Philosophers Guild*http://www.philosophersguild.com/ Uni Hosiery*http://unihosiery.com/

SockSmithhttp://www.socksmith.com/

Sox World Inc*http://www.soxworldinc.com

Sunshine Import*http://www.5866sunshine.com

Everbright Inc.*http://www.everbrightinc.com

#5 Licensed to Make Bank

Icup Inc* http://www.icupinc.com/

Costume Agent*http://costumeagent.com/

Pyramid America*www.pyramidamerica.com

The Pirate Pipeline*www.piratepipeline.com

Spoontiques*http://www.spoontiques.com

Hot Properties! Merchandising Inc.*http://hotmerch.com/

#6 Food Inspired Money Makers

Big Mouth Inc*http://www.bigmouthinc.com/

Chef Craft*http://www.chefcraft.com/

Novelty Gift Co*http://www.noveltytoys.com

Siu Sons Trading*http://www.siunsons.com

Streamline Inc.http://www.streamlinenyc.com

XO Mints*http://www.xomints.com/

Primary Colors*http://primarycolorscorp.com/

The Staples

Gallant Greetings*http://www.gallantgreetings.com

Gator Greetings*http://www.gatorgreetings.com/

Hartley & Marks/Paperblank*http://www.hartleyandmarksgroup.com/

Papaya*http://papayaart.com/

Unemployed Philosophers Guild*http://www.philosophersguild.com/

Big Mouth Inc.*http://www.bigmouthinc.com/

Culturenik/Classico*http://www.culturenik.com

Just Funky*http://www.justfunky.com/

Cajole* http://www.cajoleonline.com

Geek Tech Mobile Accessories* http://www.geekaccs.com

iDecoz*http://www.idecoz.com/

Scosche Industries*http://www.scosche.com/

Allary Corporation* http://www.allarycorp.com/

Aeropen* http://www.aeropen.com/

EasyPag http://ieasypag.com/

Honey Can Do Intl*http://www.honeycando.com/

Boelter Brands* http://www.boelterbrands.com/

Hanna's Handiworks*http://www.hannashandiworks.com/ Lucky Horse* http://www.the-lucky-horse.com/ Surya*http://www.surya.com/

*vendors you’ll find at Gift + Novelties at ASD