The holidays are well on their way and, due to the uncertain economy, buyers may be pulling the purse strings a bit tighter this year.  But despite many of the articles covering these trying times, Rueters.com/article and Dallasnews.com people will still be eating, decorating, celebrating, and more importantly shopping!  It may be more difficult for the independent retailer to attract consumers this year, but it can be done. 

It's time to get creative and offer the buyer something more alluring.  I recently read an article about a company called TerraCycle that sells environmentally friendly "upcycled" products.  This is a very attractive notion for consumers right now, as we hear almost daily about the dangers of global warming and what we can do to lessen our carbon footprints.  Ryan Vero, the chief merchandising officer for OfficeMax, put it perfectly when he said "TerraCycle is not selling a specific product line, but an idea and a vision for consumers to grab hold of."  There are many companies that sell recycled products in the gift and home industry right now, http://www.giftandhomechannel.com/channel/vod/304/ this is one of GHC's videos on sustainable products. 

Another example of cause-worthy shopping trends comes from an article about a current study indicating that brands attached to a charity, such as Breast Cancer Awareness, are more likely to sell.    

Not only can consumers feel good about the products they buy, you can feel good about selling them.

Of course, it's most important to focus on what you do well and on merchandise that you know interests your customers.  http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/10/06/smallb1.html?f=et182&b=1223265600%5e1710297&ana=e_vert   Finding creative ways to promote your specialty items makes the shopping experience fun!  Look to our boards, blogs, and videos for unique ideas to highlight products while encouraging the consumer to drop their guard, enjoy the moment and get into the holiday spirit!