| #ffffff;" /> | | | | and especially for families that already have older |
| With the economic downturn it should be no surprise | | | | children. Within this category the usual blankets and |
| to anyone that holiday shopping numbers are coming | | | | such show strong trend and wood step stools which |
| in with limited or no growth in many of the top | | | | are perfect for a child being able to step up to the |
| sectors of the business world. With the influx of | | | | sink to brush teeth or wash hands. When these |
| product options online and the mass discounting and | | | | stools get customized with the child’s name it |
| use of coupons the gross sales should maintain good | | | | seems to be a home run. Little gift baskets and gift |
| numbers, but the net profit will be close to nothing. | | | | sets in the $50 range are typical this year as well. |
| One of the best categories that buck the trend is | | | | Those comprising an assortment or items that are |
| the baby gift category. | | | | fun and practical seem to be the best as well. Think |
| It appears the old adage is true, certain things | | | | stuffed animal, clothing, lotions, and toy. When you |
| produce sales any time of year and in any climate. | | | | find a combination like that it covers all bases and |
| The birth of children and the virtual necessity of gifts | | | | shoppers seem the most in tune with it. Unique baby |
| being purchased for this rare and important event | | | | gifts are popular as well. Cool music cd’s, |
| prove once again to be true in 2008. On the covers | | | | funky rock t shirts and tote bags that get multiple |
| of magazines and in the news media there is more | | | | use are solid choices. |
| family and baby coverage than ever. It seems you | | | | It remains to be seen exactly how the final numbers |
| can’t turn around without seeing which star is | | | | unfold. Amazon is reporting strong sales online which |
| pregnant or may be pregnant and which family is | | | | is optimistic news, but they play to the lowest |
| adopting children. This probably ads to the cache of | | | | common profit denominator. That means you have |
| babies and the importance of not forgetting about | | | | many retailers lowering their prices until the buyer |
| the new parents and what gift may be helpful for | | | | chooses thus eliminating virtually all profit margin for |
| them for their new arrival. | | | | the retail. That is the fear in this new online |
| As far as which gifts in this category are getting the | | | | environment. Someone is always willing to sell for less |
| most play seem to be the following: Personalized | | | | online or in print advertisement and it hinders the |
| gifts seem to be a common thread, no pun intended, | | | | industry as a whole from being able to succeed. |