Retail novelty sales have changed drastically over the past 20 years. The large Chains have taken a bigger and bigger share of the total dollars spent on the gifts, toys and variety merchandise. They can buy better because of the large volume of product they sell. They can dictate terms and conditions to their suppliers as well as sell the products they carry cheaper. They are also very smart and savvy about the mix of merchandise they carry.

The large discount chains choose the fastest selling products from all the manufacturers and importers they buy from. If an item slows down in sales, they drop the item. They also will jump on any new trend that is hot. This makes it sound like the small independent merchant or the mom and pop stores can’t compete or might as well give up and throw in the towel. This is not completely true. The small merchant can still do business and make a good profit if they realize what they are up against and adjust their thinking. Variety is the key to all retail business.

We find that too many merchants want to buy products that they like or they would buy for themselves. Every person that walks into your store has different tastes, so variety is the key to more sales. Have something for everyone. The merchant can buy from us in small quantities at competitive prices. You can reorder when needed and you don’t tie all your working capital up in a few items. If you quess wrong on a few items, you can always mark an item down and get your money back to reinvest in another product that will sell better.