You might be wondering why I chose to emphasize the “single” aspect of my NYIGF experience in the title of this week’s post.  Well, the reason is two fold.  Partly because the Summer show was much more enjoyable for me this year, (I was able to spend two days perusing through the aisles of new product after new product at both the Javits Center as well as the Piers and the Metropolitan Pavilion), whereas last year I only had 2 hours to quickly fly through the Javits.  But the main reason for my title is due to a great new company I discovered at the show…SingleTease.

SingleTease is a company focused on getting your customers together! The company is very new, a little over a year old, and according to Kristen Moore, (one of the founders), “started out of necessity”.  They were located in the Metropolitan Pavilion, for all of you wondering how you missed such a fun booth. (Note to self, make sure to visit all venues at a tradeshow, even though it can be a trek and take a few minutes away from the shopping experience, it is definitely worth it.  You may have to kiss a few toads before you find a prince, but trust me after finding SingleTease, I will always check out all the venues).

So let’s get down to why I love their product so much, they are for single women, (and men), and even dogs!  They recently expanded their line, which started with women’s tees that have conversation starters on them.  Some of my favorites are: “Support your Local Library (Check me Out)”; and “Looking for Good Pick Up Lines”.  These shirts were meant to start conversations and show men that you are available and approachable.  Now that the movement is on, they have expanded into tees for men as well as shopping bags and clothing for your dog!  My favorite men’s shirt reads, “Avail & Able”. I also absolutely love the shopping tote that advertises, “Shopping (for a cutie)”.

Although sadly I was unable to walk away from the booth with a shirt for me or my dog, I did walk away with something.  As with most booths, you walk away with some fun token, a sample, a card, sometimes even a snack!  But this booth’s takeaway item was by far the best, (well maybe the truffles or the pumpkin candy coated pretzels that were at the other booth were the best), but SingleTease was distributing what appeared to be matchbooks.  I thought, cute idea, matches are synonomous with the bar/single scene.  But then Kristen informed me that it wasn’t as subtle.  They weren’t match books at all.  They were matchbook shaped, but inside there were small pieces of paper with just enough room to write down someone’s number! J  VERY cute idea and definitely sold me on the fact that this company is going somewhere.  Their product is great, their marketing is spot on, and they have an original idea targeted to a HUGE market!

If you’re looking for a fun new product to feature in your Gift store, look no further than SingleTease as I am sure these will not only sell, but start great conversations and bring that fun aspect to your store.  Kristen pointed out that most retailers walking by would comment on how cute their product was, but that they weren’t single so it wasn’t for them. I know when we’re shopping for new product for our stores we go off of our own tastes and situations, but in this instance you have to think about your customers!  How many match.com or eharmony.com commercials have you seen lately on TV or the internet?  See….uh huh, tons!  So make sure to keep in mind your customers “needs” when checking out this new product line for your store.

Until next time

Happy Blogging,

Jessica