http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com News and Notes for Gift Basket Professionals Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:50:35 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en "According to a study in May, 2008 by the Food Marketing Institute, approximately 71% of Americans are cooking more at home. Due to rising food and gas prices....interest in home cooking is currently growing". Full Story. Let's face it: the economy isn't doing well and consumers are looking for ways to ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/08/17/practical-gift-baskets-are-a-winner/ We hear a lot about branding our businesses, but what does that really mean? At Entrepreneur.com, an easy to read article will help you learn how to make your business successful through the branding process. Although it may sound mysterious, branding simply includes the things you do to increase your visibility ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/08/13/branding-your-business-what-does-that-mean/ "As more than 2 million U.S. couples sort out their wedding budgets--which averaged $28,732 in 2007, according to The Wedding Report Inc.--they'll collectively be spending more than $62.8 billion this year to make the experience as memorable and personal as possible." Full Article Wow! So how can you create a niche ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/08/05/find-your-place-in-the-60-billion-wedding-industry/ Marketing, marketing, marketing! As business owners, we hear that we should do this to make our businesses grow. But what does that mean? What do we really have to do? How much time will this take? It's sounds overwhelming, but if you consider marketing to be all the things you do ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/07/30/make-marketing-a-habit/ Although we are all concerned about the economy, it's still important to plan now for your holiday line of gourmet baskets and gifts. It is more critical than ever to offer something unique to your customers. While gourmet treats are always appreciated, consumers are looking more and more for gift ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/07/22/create-unique-gifts-for-your-customers/ In a on-line newsletter that I receive, I read that "according to some estimates, spam increased over 150% in 2007 and represents nearly 70% of all email traffic." When I first open my email in the morning, I take the time to delete the spam from my mailbox. On ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/07/15/reduce-email-spam/ Do you have a university or college in your town? Young consumers are becoming an increasingly vital part of the marketplace and you might want to consider some gift baskets that cater specifically to this group. Snacks, cookies, and candies are all time favorites for this age group. Why not create ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/07/06/market-to-the-local-university-crowd/ Looking for a new idea for creative gift baskets? Check out Moviegiftbaskets.net. The author has some great ideas for putting together baskets that include a DVD plus gourmet treats, gift cards and other items that are "educational and inspiring". Not only will you read about special gift basket themes for kids, ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/07/01/movie-gift-baskets/ Specialty Food Magazine, June 2008, includes an article by Ari Weinzweig entitled "Strategic Merchandising". Try to get hold of a copy of this issue. As usual, Mr. Weinzweig offers some great ideas for enhancing our customers' shopping experiences. Following are some ways that we can "do better" with our marketing. When ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/06/22/increase-customer-satisfaction-through-good-marketing/ It's in all the news: plastic vs. paper! I just read about some proposed legislation to require consumers to pay a fee to carry groceries home in plastic or paper! Personally, I am a supporter and follower of the "reusable bag" camp. If you are too, consider a new gift ... http://www.apexgiftbasketpros.com/2008/06/15/lets-dispose-of-the-disposable-bag-issue/