During the September 15-18 market, George Little Management, LLC (GLM^®) announced changes to the April 5-8, 2008, Boston Gift Show.  Exciting improvements are on tap, as a new division and complementary neighborhoods are introduced to the 7,000 market attendees.  GLM will transition the previous At Home, General Gift and Personal Accessories divisions into one collective Gifts, Etc. division, while Handmade^®, Made in New England and Souvenir Source will remain as separate sections.  Gifts, Etc. will present a wide array of products, including tabletop, museum-quality gifts, plush, holiday and more.  This new division will feature neighborhoods – special focus areas – of related merchandise, including outdoor living, personal accessory and other product categories.

The change in divisions will spotlight the products and resources that make this market uniquely New England, while offering a more streamlined shopping experience designed to enhance cross-merchandising opportunities.  In addition, the return of The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, entertaining seminars by best-selling author Rick Segel and the Pride of New England Awards will further cement this market as the premier destination for New England gift retailers.

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pavilion, which featured 16 alumni throughout 1,000 square feet, was a major focal point of the September market.  Showcasing the artistry of some of the country’s most creative minds, the Pavilion was an exclusive opportunity to source these unique products under one roof.

Featured within the RISD Pavilion were Aster + Sage, Bedfellows Blankets, Clay Trout Pottery, DAmetals, Ding La Gift Studio, Figs & Ginger, Ginny Joyner, ichico, Jason Silverman, Kim Bennett Dzinz, Max Mead Cartoons, MC Studio, Nam Kim Designs Ltd., Pamela Vea Perry, Red Rover Clothing Co. and She-Weld.

Handycane and pursehook.net teamed up to present a Buyer’s Lounge at the recent market, providing a space for attendees to rest while walking the aisles.  Handycane is the company behind a revolutionary Christmas tree watering device, while pursehook.net offers a new accessory for hanging your purse in any location – restaurant, office or home

Show Your Pride… Nominate a Retailer for the Pride of New England Awards

The Boston Gift Show is accepting nominations for the 3rd annual Pride of New England Awards, a coveted honor recognizing New England retailers for outstanding customer service, creative merchandising and community involvement.  All September Show participants are invited to submit a nomination for this esteemed recognition, which must be received by January 4, 2008.  Nominations can be submitted online at www.bostongiftshow.com.

Finalists will be announced in February 2008, with winners revealed during a Pride of New England Awards ceremony during the April 5-8, 2008, market.  Winners will be selected by a panel of esteemed industry veterans, including a past Pride of New England Award winner and editors of the leading industry trade publications.  Judges for the 2008 competition include Tony DeMasi, editor, Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties; Caroline Kennedy, executive editor, Gifts & Decorative Accessories; John Saxtan, editor, Giftware News; Susan Wagner, editor, Country Business; Joyce Washnik, publisher & editor, Giftbeat; and Dave Woodside, president, Acadia Corporation.

Award nominees must be retail establishments that have been in business for three or more years.  Additional information regarding the Pride of New England Awards can be obtained by contacting Jacqueline Zea, public relations coordinator, at (914) 421-3388, or by email, at jacqueline_zea@glmshows.com.

Turn Your Web Site into a Profitable Marketing Tool
By C S Wurzberger and Pam Foster
(Gift Shops of America.com & Internet Jungle Guide.com)

We feel your frustration. We know how hard it can be to create a dynamic, interesting Web site for your business that will reflect well on your brand, delight customers, keep your company happy and most importantly, drive sales.

We know this because we’ve worked with dozens and dozens of small-to-mid-size business owners and marketers like you who are struggling with their Web development journey. And we’ve talked with many others.

You can probably relate to the common themes we hear again and again:

• Our site looks awful.
• It’s not doing anything for us.
• We put all this money and effort into our site, and it was a big waste of time.
• Our competitors have a much better site.
• Our customers can’t find us.

If you have an underperforming site, you know you can’t ignore it. The world is seeing it every day and forming an opinion of your business. The good news is, we know a lot of business owners who have found a clear path to online success and are thrilled with the sales leads and revenue generated by their sites. So, what do those businesses know that many others don’t? You’re about to find out…and this information will give you a powerful edge in your business.

There are 9 Easy Steps to Planning a Profitable Web Site:

• Step 1: Define your Web Site’s Purpose
• Step 2: Choose a Domain Name
• Step 3: Plan Your Site Design
• Step 4: Plan Your Web Content
• Step 5: Find the Best Host
• Step 6: Find the Best Web Team
• Step 7: Plan for the Costs
• Step 8: Market Your Site
• Step 9: Measure the Results

Now let’s dig a little deeper into each step.

Step 1: Define your Web Site’s Purpose – Clearly outline your Web site objectives, who you’re trying to attract, the unique solutions you offer your customer, and the kind of features you want on your site.

What do you want your Web site to DO for your business?
We’re talking specifics now – not just “make money”. To build a successful Web site or to improve your existing site, you need to define its objectives clearly, so everyone in your business and in your professional Web team will understand the Web site’s specific mission.

Step 2: Choose a Domain Name – Strategically choose the domain name that will support your site’s profitability. Your first choice is to get your business name. If that’s not available, choose a name that is easy for your customers to remember. Simply put, your domain name identifies your company’s address on the Internet.

Step 3: Plan Your Site Design – Understand how site design can make or break your online business success – with insights on usability, branding and the customer experience. At the very basic level, when customers arrive at your home page, they want to know immediately: What do you offer? What’s in it for them? How can they contact you for your service and what will happen next?

Step 4: Plan Your Web Content – Discover how all your Web content – the actual wording on your site – plays a critical role in whether or not visitors will do business with you online. If you’re expecting your Web site to generate strong sales leads or drive orders for your products and services, you’ll want to plan your Web content carefully.

Step 5: Find the Best Host – Choose the right hosting company for your site so you can avoid headaches later. A Web host is a server (special computer) that holds your Web site’s code and images and makes them continually viewable on the Internet.

Step 6: Find the Best Web Team – Hire a great Web team that has experience in building sites that sell. Creating a successful Web site is a job for the pros. Would you let your nephew Johnny or a high-school neighbor do your taxes or negotiate the sale of your home? “No way!” you say. Then why trust your Web site investment to a novice?

Step 7: Plan for the Costs – Plan a realistic Web site budget for this valuable investment. A great customized business site, depending on its complexity, should cost between $6,000 and $15,000 on the low end, and $20,000 to $30,000 or more on the higher end.

Step 8: Market Your Site – Follow the proven methods for driving traffic to your site through offline and online marketing:

• Offline marketing includes print materials, direct mail, voice mail messages, signs and other traditional methods.
• Online marketing refers to tactics you’ll pursue through the Internet, ranging from Search Engine Optimization on your own site to pay-per-click advertising, banner ads, Blogs, links and more.

Step 9: Measure the Results – Measure the effectiveness of your Web site and your marketing efforts; and use that information to make powerful improvements. Traffic logs are available from your hosting company.

Let’s recap what you’ve learned as a result of reading this article. There are nine steps to planning a profitable Web site, and the most important place to start is with a clear understanding of what you want your Web site to DO for your business. Define a clear plan and budget, and you’re on the right path to Web Success!

C S Wurzberger is an accomplished Internet strategist, usability expert, seminar workshop leader and Search Engine Optimization specialist. She has extensive experience in all aspects of Web site development for small-to-mid-size businesses, with a specialized focus on retail and wholesale companies.

We Want To Hear From You!

In our last poll, we asked readers if the Boston Red Sox would be holding onto their first place position in the American League East when the September Boston Gift Show took place.  Here’s how you responded:

78% - Of course!

21% - Of course not!

Looking to explore Boston during non-show hours? 
Visit http://boston.citysearch.com/ for great restaurants, shopping, events and more!

For the latest information on the Boston Gift Show, including an exhibitor search and seminar information, visit us online at www.bostongiftshow.com.

The September 2007 edition of the Boston Gift Show was a positive experience, offering retailers new features such as the Rhode Island School of Design Pavilion and engaging e-commerce seminars by Internet guru C S Wurzberger.  With plenty of new products found down every aisle, attendees walked away from this market excited about the new merchandise they will be introducing in their stores for the fall and winter seasons. 

As April 2008 approaches…get ready…the Boston Gift Show is unveiling a dynamic new floor plan that will enhance the shopping experience for retailers and spark new business for exhibitors.  Read on to discover more about the spring market, including some of the changes and features we have in store for you.  Stay up to date with further market developments over the next several months at www.bostongiftshow.com!

Vervacious introduced its full line of Voyage Inspired Fancy Foods at the Boston Gift Show.  Vervacious made its name delivering the very finest black and white European truffles to top American chefs.  Their passion for authenticity inspired the creation of their sublime, authentic truffle oils which led to their extensive line of fancy foods.

Amy Leiner Designs, LLC was a newcomer to the Boston Gift Show, emerging this season with a complete line of suede cuffs, wide sash-tie belts and a short, button necklace that have been flying out the door!

Hungry Lion Imports released its new line of positive affirmation t-shirts. Making these t-shirts unique is the fact that the messages are printed in mirror image and can only be read by the wearer!

Back Porch Soap Company announced four new fragrances in its 100 percent shea butter product: Vanilla Almond, Cranberry Plum, Apple Pear and Lavender Spearmint. The company uses shea butter from West Africa, creating a wonderful, soothing balm that customers will love.

Gemini Kaleidoscopes!showcased its unique new Ice Cream Cone Kaleidoscopes at the Boston Gift Show.  Bright and colorful with a great image, the Ice Cream Cone Kaleidoscopes are the perfect stocking stuffer or party favor!

Bouvier Designs introduced its new line of jewelry for the holiday season at the Boston Gift Show.  The company’s four distinct collections – La Mer, La Terre, Précieux and Un à Un – combine bold semi-precious stones with beads, crystal pendants and gold and silver accents.

KarmaThreads^® showcased its line of super soft and comfortable inspirational apparel which fuses vintage flair with contemporary design. The simple act of purchasing a KarmaThreads t-shirt results in a donation being made to charitable organizations that help nurture and support America’s at-risk teens.