Retail News - March/April 2011

Editor’s Note

Green Shoots

Spring signals new
beginnings

OUR FAVOURI TE FEATURES

As I write this, signs of spring are starting to show, making our decision to feature emerald green on the cover that much more appropriate. This regal colour is not only fitting for the season, but it’s also making inroads in popular culture, from the cover of Town & Country to a recent Victoria’s Secret catalogue.

For consumers, come spring their thoughts turn to new wardrobes, summer vacations and, eventually, back-to-school shopping. In this issue, we help you prepare for these seasons with a variety of stories, including our Edited Mix on travel accessories on page 11. The Ila Wedge from Abbott will be making its way into my suitcase when I travel solo to the International Housewares Show this month. (Look for my show report in our May/June issue.)

For me, spring means our annual family vacation to Cape Cod is around the corner. We spend a week traipsing back and forth from the cottage to the beach, with the occasional trip to the Sundae School for old-fashioned, homemade ice cream. It’s always so relaxing and much more enjoyable when I have a beach bag that’s fashionable and functional. We take the legwork out of buying for this category with a roundup of the best bags of the season on page 42.

Come summer’s end thoughts turn to back-to-school. We took a different approach to this topic with a beautiful spread of stationery items on page 46 that helps calm the chaos for parents. With my little one starting school this fall, I’m sure I’ll pick up a product or two to keep all her play dates in order.

An Enchanting Exhibit Merchandising whiz Leslie Groves shows you how to pull together a boutique-like display of jewellery and fashion accessories Page 38