April 2010

• Autumnal Reading
  - Editorial
• Kiwiana Inspirations
  - Kiwiana-themed gifts
• The Power of Promotion
  - Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk
• Smart toys
  - Active Play and Mobile Accessible Play Unites Families in 2010
• Oven-to-table
  - From the oven to the table – in style
• Stationery - the Full Effect
  - Everyday stationery essentials that are turning heads

Autumnal reading

It's this time of year I love most: drifting leaves, musty aromas, runny noses, pumpkin soup promises and books in bed. Whilst summertime reading at the beach and Bach is enjoyable and a typical activity of many a Kiwi vacation, its autumnal reading I look forward to most of all. For me, nothing soothes my busied mind throughout the day than the thought of tucking into a good book, with a stick of liquorice, once I've hung the apron up for the evening. (I've just finished The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak – my best read yet this decade.)

Much of the time I am fortunate enough to couple my love of reading with work. This issue I've had the pleasure of reading two great books distributed by The Southern Publishers Group, ‘make!' and ‘eating together', both very appropriate books to enter into the colder months with.

Be you an avid reader like myself or not, most of us enjoy listening to a short,
humorous tale or two from time to time. Having read the ‘Mere Male' and ‘Over the Teacups' pages of the New Zealand Woman's Weekly and New Idea magazines for many years now, I got thinking about such pages for GiftBuyer. “Wouldn't it be great to introduce a ‘Retail Reminiscing' page into the magazine, in which retailers and wholesalers could share memorable retail occasions with fellow readers?” I pondered to myself. However, we all know actions speak louder than words, so in order to fulfil my latest idea I'm asking you, the retailer, to help action my plans. I would love to hear of any retail related events that you've had a chuckle over or shared with someone special – editorial need not be too long, short and sweet is all I'm asking. And as I'm a great believer in bribery and corruption, the best stories will receive a small gift on me each issue.

Please email your name, store name, address and story to:

Whilst on the topic of reading I would like to welcome aboard the KPMG team to our pages. Under the leadership of retail law specialist Mark Kippenberger, KPMG associates will provide GiftBuyer readers with an inspiring and informative column each issue, focusing on topical business and legal issues that matter to Kiwi retailers. It is with pleasure we open our doors to you.

Until next time,
Dyani

Dyani Ellwood