Go Back to www.IndependentRetailer.com COVER STORY Toys, Gifts &


Novelties Forecast continued from page 89


way, it is not unlike many other lifestyle lines such as golf and fi shing, for which perhaps 75 percent or more of sales are de- rived from gift buying during the fourth quarter. The rest of the year runs closer to a more normal buying pattern. “Like most companies, we were not fortunate enough to avoid the effects of the economic down- turn,”


says Panasci. “New


motorcycle units were down close to 50 percent last year, and those dealers make up a signifi cant segment of our busi- ness. It was an eye opener,





We Carry A Great Selection Of Remote Controlled Cars, Helicopters with Gyro Scopes & Other Vehicles


A Full Line of Girls Toys, Boys Action Toys & Educational Toys are also available!


however, and we have taken the necessary steps to operate leaner. We’ve seen a nice re- bound this year, and we look forward to continued growth. As biker lifestyle merchandise continues to cross over into the non-rider market, we see con- tinued growth for unique, high quality gift items.” A key ingredient to staying


in the black is keeping track of the newest trends and fads. Especially in the toy category, trends move quickly, and the hottest items are always chang- ing. Keeping your fi nger on the pulse of the industry can make all the difference. Novelty Poster has done well provid- ing the product demanded by children nationwide, from the days of Tamagotchi a decade ago, right up to the silly band craze of today. In addition to silly bands,


company owner, Jeff Sokoloff, also reports success with sili- cone bracelets and a brand new item: silly rings. A smaller version of silly bands, they’re expected to soon be fl ood-


continued on page 92


Tel. 713-988-1475 713-988-1487 Email: wholesale@coolcitytrading.com


www.CoolCityTrading.com Houston, TX 70036 90 September 2010 Visit Online at INDEPENDENTRETAILER.COM


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