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COVER STORY Toys, Gifts &
Novelties Forecast continued from page 85
economically. The economy it- self is improving and getting better, and everyone needs to keep their chins up and keep pushing forward. Stick with your suppliers. If your supplier is supplying you with a good quality product and introduc- ing new items, that’s a supplier you want to stay with.” For many of these compa-
nies, such as SJT Enterprises, it’s all about gift giving. The wooden plaques, key chains, refrigerator magnets and other fun items SJT carries do espe- cially well in the fourth quarter,
right around Christmas time. And it’s no wonder, as they are inexpensive, well made and attractive. Specifi cally, owner Tim Smith cites the extremely popular wooden dog plaques for keeping his company’s business going strong through tougher times. “Our sales last month were the best we’ve ever had in 25 years, and it’s primar- ily because of the pet plaques; they’ve just done so well,” he says. “Even during bad times, during a bad economy, people will still buy something with their dog on it. It’s amazing.”
To the point made by Ian
Flanagan, Smith notes that peo- ple seem to prefer items made in the U.S. For this reason, he makes sure his products are clearly labeled, “Made in the U.S.A.”. He reports receiving emails and phone calls on a weekly basis, sometimes daily, letting him know that they real- ly like to see that they can buy something made domestically; more and more a rarity these days. In contrast to Flanagan’s more optimistic appraisal how- ever, Smith has found that end customers do not seem as will- ing to pay as much as they used to. While a few years ago the
continued on page 89 88 September 2010 Visit Online at INDEPENDENTRETAILER.COM
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