October 2010 Features

A whole lot of heart - Editorial

October has struck. For many people the word October can mean the dread, “Oh dear, less than three months till Christmas.” For others, “Yah, I'm so pleased I did the majority of my Christmas shopping two months ago.” And for those like myself, “Yah, three months till Christmas, even though I know I'm going to suffer through last-minute shopping, I'm still happy it's on its way.” The thought of Christmas for me always conjures up warm, fuzzy feelings – despite my lack of Christmas forward thinking. More »

Life's Reflections - Lifting the lid on artwork trends Down Under

In the United States of America, Gourmet Retailer reports that the homeware market is forecasted to be popular again for the coming Christmas season. This is a theme echoed in New Zealand, with many wholesalers once again predicting that homeware related products will be dominating the needs of Christmas shoppers. Given the economic climate, with the recession still taking effect on the average household worldwide, practical items at affordable price points are leading the way. More »

Active Play - Challenging the Body and the Mind

Toys and games that get kids up and moving will start them on a path to happier and healthier living. But “Active Play” isn't limited to just physical exercise – the term can also be applied to endeavours that foster imaginative thinking, creativity, and discovery. The best bet for retailers? To stock shelves with a wide variety of toys that serve as a catalyst for both the body and the brain. More »

Call Me Loyal - What's new on the New Zealand-made gift front?

Products which are made in New Zealand tend to be a hit with tourists. Visitors have had enough of keyrings and plastic magnets, according to Kiwi General Store owner, Helen Fisher. “Everyone knows they all come in from China,” she says. “Tourists are becoming a lot more discerning about what they buy.” More »

Protection Mode - Taking Stock of Security

The christmas season fills retailers with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. It's widely regarded as the boom time for sales, but also for less savoury reasons: THEFT.

Shop theft is a blight on New Zealand's economy, costing retailers more than $760 million* annually – that's more than $2 million a day! It's therefore in everyone's interests, not just retailers, to curb the trends and fight back against organised and casual retail crime. More »

Special Journies - Gifts to have and to hold

With over 20,000 marriages in New Zealand every year, weddings and anniversaries mean big business for giftware retailers. And as more couples set up house before tying the knot, greater consideration is required as to customers wants (and needs) when it comes to gifts. So what gifts work, and just as importantly, what gifts don't? More »