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NiGifts
Sentimentality versus practicality- Why make your customer choose?
A new arrival represents the ultimate gift buying event and it doesn't to look beyond your usual business
stop there. Parents, relatives and friends will visit your store to make boundaries and identify new potential
purchases before baby is born and on numerous occasions afterwards. markets," says leading market research
Be it a baby shower, new baby, christening, birthday or christmas gift company Mintel. Wholesaler Baby Brands
event, there will be plenty of reasons for your customers to go shopping Direct sees the gift market as a lucrative area
in the months and years ahead. It is vital, therefore, that you have a of expansion for retailers in the nursery
range of gifts and 'useful purchases' available that make parent's lives sector: "We feel it’s an area where independents can use their
easier and help with the rising cost of parenthood. imagination and creativity to transform a simple product that might be
Originally Baby Showers were held soon after the birth of a child, but available in multiples in a different way at a higher price point. For
nowadays they tend to take place during pregnancy. With today's example, they can purchase teddy bears, toys and clothing items from
technology allowing gender to be confirmed during pregnancy, parents us and present them in wicker baskets with cellophane and ribbons,
often like to plan ahead and kit baby out with everything he or she will making them unique to their store and a stunning gift." A survey
need beforehand. What's more, the backlash against gender specific conducted by mumsnet.com, found that the best gift for a new parent
colours has seen an explosion of unisex products on the market making or baby is a hamper full of practical things, supporting the case for
buying for baby - with or without this information - easier all round. practicality in gift buying further.
Although hand made gifts remain popular, few of us are able to knit That said, keepsakes are as popular as ever, so from personalised
a blanket or a pair of booties from scratch and rely therefore, on good photo frames, to albums, money boxes, baby casting kits and
retailers with links to those in the local community that can. Former silverware, you should offer a wide selection of products that enable
Nursery Industry interviewee Gayle Haddock of Carry Me Home has, like customers to make a sentimental purchase alongside something more
many retailers before her, founded her hugely successful business upon practical. And don't forget mum and dad! There are are a range of gift
hand made, personalised gifts - a clear indication that a thoughtful gift options for new parents which, designed to congratulate them
does not have to be an expensive one. personally, act as great 'add on' sales too.
It's also worth remembering that family and friends often choose to From customised gift baskets, to clothes, toys and keepsakes, there
buy the more necessary items as gifts to help prospective mums and are a number of gift items out there that will help to set your shop apart
dads save money during what can be a very expensive time. If your from the rest. It might even be worth offering a list holding service for
giftware section is limited - be sure to promote the benefits of your Baby Showers and Christenings - boosting sales and creating a loyal
existing range as suitable gift purchases too. customer base in the process. Advertising in the local consumer press
"In these challenging economic times it is more important than ever and at mother and toddler groups may well be a good place to start.
Get ready for summer with SunSplash
Perfect gifts for newborn babies,
The highest quality Australian UV sun safe suits have arrived for summer!
Our UPF 50+ suits are made from quality Lycra, and block over 97.5% of
christenings & birthdays
Ultra Violet Radiation reaching a child’s skin, sizing ranges from 2-3 to 5-6
boys and girls. All products are tested for colour fastness, chlorine and salt
Members of the Giftware Association, Freya Design, supply beautifully solid
water resistance, and come with a UPF 50+ guarantee.
wood keepsake boxes for children. The range, all designed in the UK, are
SunSplash are the makers of
made from only the finest New Zealand pine and European alder and birch.
the much loved Beach Bundle;
Boxes come in various sizes from a set of three little trinkets, (‘first tooth’,
an ideal starter pack for parents
‘first curl’ and ‘baby tag’) and moneyboxes to large keepsake boxes, with
containing a UPF 50+ Lycra
hinges and latch and also a selection of jewellery boxes. The boxes all make
suit, hat, fabric coated
perfect gifts for newborn babies, christenings and birthdays.
armbands, swim nappy and
Wood, textile and other natural materials used are carefully sourced from
a natural rubber changing mat,
around the world, with the environment being the main consideration when
sizes 0-3yrs.
buying decisions are being made. All the boxes in the Freya Design range are
We provide the best
painted with non-toxic paints and the inside of the boxes are left unpainted in
Australian sun safety products,
order to retain the natural smell of wood.
helping parents keep their
children safe in the water and
protected from the sun’s rays.
a73
Tel: 0845 053 3165
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Web: www.sunsplash.biz
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Tel: 0118 9472 085
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Email: info@sunsplash.biz
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Web: www.freyadesign.co.uk
18
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NURSERY INDUSTRY
•
MARCH 2010
•
www.nursery-industry.co.uk
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