Summer 2015

Editor’s Letter: Passionate about retail By Julie McCallum

I love this quote from Maya Angelou, and it sums up this issue — and this industry — perfectly. The retailers we serve with this magazine have such a passion for their stores and their customers. The quote also partners so well with the passion of the makers for the goods they carefully craft. As business owners, we work hard to survive, but when you have a passion for what you do, that is when you truly thrive.

There is such creativity and passion in this industry and we love putting the spotlight on it. In this issue, we had the pleasure of meeting Monica Potter. Not only is she an acclaimed film and TV actress, she is also a storeowner. Like many of you reading this, she is an entrepreneur with a mission: to create a natural and wholesome product line and, in the process, provide jobs and economic growth to her community. She is passionate about her mission and is fortunate to be able to share it with a large audience that transcends her hometown.

And what about compassion? The featured gift shop in this issue perfectly illustrates it. Susan Noyes expertly runs the gift shops at South Shore Hospital in Boston. She and her staff take great care to provide compassionate service to their customers as they face life-altering events. They consider it a privilege to share the joys and sorrows of the patients and their families.

Also in this issue we visit Portland, Oregon. The four retailers profiled each have a unique presence in the city but one thing they all share is a sense of style and a fierce dedication to their local makers and artisans.

Looking ahead, as you prepare for the holiday season, Sarah Schwartz’ Trend Report highlights five trends to incorporate into your mix. Then check out our inaugural Holiday Gift Guide to make sure you’ve got the top holiday gifts stocked. And to take care of all the holiday revelers, “Selling Spirits” offers tips and product ideas for capturing a piece of the craft brew and wine market. Wrap it all up with our article featuring giftwrap and the benefits of offering a gift-wrapping service, and you’re sure to have a successful holiday season.

I sincerely hope each one of you finds something useful in this issue to further your own mission. Its record-breaking size was a labor of love for those of us whose goal is to make your job easier. So, as you embark upon the summer trade show season, seek out people, products and practices that will help you not only survive, but also thrive in this business. I know I will be.

Julie McCallum

Julie McCallum is publisher of Gift Shop Magazine. She is formerly the editor-in-chief of the publication, as well as editor of Museums & More, and she has more than 25 years experience in publishing.