Make Time for Gift Basket Research

September 22, 2008 · Filed Under Products and Supplies 

Did you see this article in Friday’s edition of SeaCoastOnline.com?

This New Hampshire online newspaper reports that a Dollar Tree store, opening in the town of Seabrook, will include a gift basket section.

“Its aisles offer a vast selection of seasonal items; party goods including gift wrap and bags for all occasions;…and specialty sections such as the Create-a-Gift Basket section and Teachers’ Corner.”

We already know that customers who visit Dollar Tree are not the same customers who buy from us. But Dollar Tree and other discount retailers may be helpful in ways you may not have considered.

If you live near a Dollar Tree store, visit it to:

  • See if there’s a create-a-gift-basket section.
  • Look closely at the display (shelves, containers, etc.) to review the setup.
  • Take note of the merchandise for ideas on buying similar items of better quality (but only buy if the inventory will move fast).

    • It’s always interesting to see how another store displays their merchandise. How do you think we discovered rain gutters to hold ribbon or set up the elaborate shelving shown in the Gift Basket Design Studio Extreme Makeover?

    Why re-invent the wheel when examples are in stores waiting for us to capitalize on the idea?

    I visited a tea house last weekend. The owner invited me into her office to see its organization. With one look I was able to see how to re-structure some wasted space in my own office.

    Dollar Tree is just one place on your research list, especially now that you know they’ve set up a gift basket station. What other stores in your area provide ideas and inspiration?

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    Comments

    2 Responses to “Make Time for Gift Basket Research”

    1. karen on September 25th, 2008 11:30 am

      I try not to worry too much about major stores that do gift baskets. My gift baskets are unique and stores could not create them on a large scale at thier prices. I also find that my customers tend to come in and want custom baskets created just for them, over the baskets that I’ve already created that are on my shelves. Which sometimes causes a problem, because I am always creating new baskets for display.

    2. Shirley George Frazier on September 25th, 2008 6:47 pm

      Karen,

      I applaud you for not letting gift baskets made by large retailers get in the way of your success.

      We know that people who want a mass market product will head to those stores while clients who prefer quality will come through your door.

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