Archive for August, 2006
Lately, I’ve seen a ton of articles about marketing to baby boomers (those of us who were born between 1946 and 1964). But this article, that was referenced in Specialty Food News, is full of information that takes the “theory” about boomers’ buying habits and translates it in specific recommendations for sales and marketing. Full Story
For example, the article includes suggestions about product mix. An emphasis on healthy lifestyle choices coupled with the fact that these consumers are “on the go” points to healthy, quality products, in portion control packages, that can be easily stashed in a purse or backpack.
Marketing ideas are also offered. According to the article, baby boomers “rely primarily on their social networks (friends, family and colleagues) for information”. This suggests that it may be wise to “utilize boomer narratives in advertising and promotions”.
Read the full article for many great ideas. Understanding the “psychology” of this group of consumers (why they want what they want) will go a long way to helping you make choices about inventory, as well as sales and marketing strategies.
August 30th, 2006
Having trouble making the perfect bow for your gift baskets? Florasatin Perfect Pull Bows may be the answer!
These easy to make bows are made from waterproof and weatherproof florasation ribbon. Just pull two strings and get a perfect bow every time!
Apex Gift Foods stocks Perfect Bows in 16 solid colors and 12 everyday and holiday prints. These bows are made from 1 1/2″ ribbon and are 5 1/2″ in diameter with 20 loops. Other sizes and colors are available by special order.
Just arrived: new designer colors: citrus, beauty, periwinkle, chocolate, and orange. Also check out new printed bows: dots, stripes and the ever popular paw prints.
Order bows before September 15th and get a 10% discount. Mention BOWBLOG when you place your order.
August 26th, 2006
TrendCurve is a newsletter put out Marketing Directions, Inc., a highly regarded company serving retail businesses that need to know about color and design trends. I recently saw an article reviewing TrendCurve’s forecasts for the 2007 buying season. Full Story
I was especially interested in the descriptions of how colors affect us. It may be fun to think about this when you’re designing your baskets. According to TrendCurve
- Yellow is the color of reason and optimism. Look for some items in warm yellow tones for your next get well basket.
- Green comes from the heart and is all about love and justice. Maybe green can replace red for Valentine’s Day!
- Orange speaks to creative energy and motivation. Choose orange for your next employee recognition basket.
- Blue is about communication and self-expression. Look for packaging in beautiful shades of blue for your next basket sent to the bride and groom.
Follow up with the lucky recipients of your baskets to find out they responded. Your color themed baskets might start a trend!
August 25th, 2006
With the introduction of so many cooking shows on TV, many more women and men of all ages are enjoying the joys of home cooking. Why not design a Chef’s Basket that will delight these new gourmet cooks!
Apex Gift Foods has a new line of eight mini cookbooks. With titles such as “Cooking With Wine”, “Soup’s On”, and “Kid’s Cooking”, you can appeal to cooks of all ages. These decorative books only cost $5.95 and will be a great keepsake for the lucky person who receives the basket.
While you’re creating your Chef’s Basket, also consider two new gourmet additions from Apex: olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Beautifully packaged in sleek, contemporary bottles, these will be perfect for your design.
August 23rd, 2006
In Gourmet News, July 2006, author Adam Bordon contributed a comprehensive list of “do’s and don’ts” that you should consider if you’re thinking of selling your business. Full Story
Briefly, Bordon suggests that there are many things to do just to get your business ready for sale and outlines 7 steps you should take. These include: hiring professionals, cleaning up financials, clarifying your position in the market place, compiling important documents, reducing debt, resolving outstanding liabilities, and disposing of assets that are not essential to the business.
Whether you’re getting ready to retire or want to try another career, read this article and you will benefit greatly!
August 22nd, 2006
I just read an article in the Gourmet Retailer Newsletter. “Retail investors are prediciting a soft winter holiday selling season after some of the largest retailers report disappointing sales Tuesday, reports an article on CNNMoney.com”. Full Story
While not all industry experts are pessimistic about the upcoming buying season, I think it’s important to pay attention to these reports. This is the time of year that many gift basket business owners are making buying decisions for the upcoming holidays. Here are some things to consider.
When making decisions about your holiday inventory, take the time to shop carefully. Do your homework. Call several suppliers and find out if they are offering any special promotions for holiday buying. Ask about freight allowances. Find out about new products. Inquire if additional discounts are available if you purchase multiple cases of a particular product.
At Apex Gift Foods, we are offering a holiday prebook program that will allow you to save up to 15%. These savings will apply to gourmet foods as well as baskets, ribbons, enhancements and packaging supplies. Our customer service staff is ready to answer your questions and provide all the assistance you need to help you make your business grow and be profitable.
Now is the time to tighten our belts and make thoughtful decisions about how we run our businesses. Use this opportunity to forge partnerships with your suppliers as well as your customers.
August 18th, 2006
Watch out for rising gas prices! According to an article in the Gourmet Retailer Newsletter, retailers will be facing higher gas and energy bills over the next months due to the shutdown of a major Alaskan oil field. Full Story
As you start to make plans for the upcoming holiday season, consider adjusting your prices now in order to compensate for higher energy expenses you will incur.
Take a look at your basket offerings and think about increasing prices by 2% or 3%. If you already have a delivery charge, add $.50 onto each delivery or add a small handling charge to each shipment that you send by UPS or other delivery services. If you don’t already charge for delivery, start now!
Don’t wait until November to raise your prices or suddenly add hefty delivery or handling charges to your orders. Your customers will not be happy to see those increases when they’re making their holiday purchases! When your customers are budgeting and buying for the holidays, unexpected price changes and charges can create a lot of ill will. If your customer is shopping at the last minute, you may still get that order, but may lose future business.
Everyone is well aware of the energy crisis that we are facing. Be up front with your customers: let them know about these price increases and assure them that you’ll keep those charges to a minimum. By acting now, and keeping your customers informed, you can protect your own interests and as well as those of your customers.
August 16th, 2006
If you reside in a state that allows you to include alcoholic beverages in your gift baskets, check out this article I saw in the Dallas Morning News. Full Story
Some winemakers are taking a stab at capturing the lucative women’s market with wines called Madhousewife, 2004 and Mommy’s Timeout. You can decide if these are too irreverent for your tastes, but these might be a great addition to your next basket to be sent to Mom.
Make sure you check the rules and regulations in your state before using any alcoholic beverages in your baskets.
August 11th, 2006
Mark your calendars: September 9 - 12, 2006. The Jubilee Gift Basket Show will be part of the Boston Gift Show, one of the biggest and oldest gift shows in the country.
The Jubilee Show offers gift basket designers a unique opportunity. Their “Creative College” includes many idea packed classes about basket design, sales, marketing and trends in the gift basket industry. The “Jubilee Pavillion” is where buyers will find vendors displaying the newest, hottest gourmet items available in the marketplace.
Stop at Apex Gift Foods, booth #1273, and pick up your copy of our 2006-2007 catalog. You’ll see hundreds of new gourmet items, plus our great new selection of finishing touches and enhancements for your gift basket designs. Take advantage of show specials and promotions!
Apex will also be sponsoring a design class taught by Deb Sarsany, a well known gift basket design consultant. In the class, No More Leftovers: Get the Most Value Out of Your Inventory, Deb will show you how to creatively use inventory so you’re never stuck with inventory. To register for this class, go to the Jubilee web site.
Mention JUBILEEBLOG when you place your show order, and receive 5% off! Don’t miss this fabulous industry event!
August 8th, 2006
Look for Rave Reviews Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 4 and read an informative article by Lisa Stenson entitled “When Is It Appropriate to Gift?”. The gift baskets that you’re selling every day might also be the perfect gift you can give to thank someone who has helped you in your business.
Think about the secretary who helped you get an appointment with a top executive at a company you hoped to do business with. Think about the printer who got your holiday marketing materials to you ahead of schedule. When you send a “thank you” gift basket to these people, you are building important relationships that will benefit you personally, and will benefit your business in the long run.
So when is the “right” time to give and what is the “right” gift? Read Stenson’s article for some general rules that will help you make these decisions. Stenson advises not to give gifts that are personal in nature. So a gourmet gift basket fits the bill perfectly! As the author says, “for a smart business, the question isn’t whether to gift or not to gift, but how to do it sincerely and appropriately”.
August 1st, 2006
