Proving that no business is above creating a holiday gift guide, The New York Times had a special ad section/gift guide in last Sunday's issue. It featured books, photos and other special items created and sold by The NYT. I didn't realize it was an ad until I settled into reading it- it was that well done.

There's nothing like the power of suggestion to influence a sale. That is why merchandising, advertisements and project samples are so vital to scrapbook store sales. So this holiday season, why not create your own holiday gift guide?

Select hot items that are especially gifty. Choose things in different price ranges and advertise them as such "Under $5, "Under $25, Under $100 (go for it! there is always a husband who needs something with WOW!) Get employees involved- maybe you want to have "Sandy's Picks" or "Beth's Pick's" to add a personal spin.

Take digital photos or request some from the manufacturers (if you can do it yourself you can probably do it faster- busy time).

Now- what to do with these gift guide items:

 1. Create displays with signage that says "Under $25" etc. Swap out display items as things get sold out.
 
2. Assemble 12 photos in a document with the product name and price.     Include your store name, phone number, hours and the credit cards you take then stuff color copies of this document into bags as folks leave the store.

3. Create a "Great Gifts for the Holidays" poster on foam board and display in a high traffic area.

4. Post a Pdf of the photo document at your website.

5. Create a blast email to customers featuring holiday gift guide items. Include as many photos as you can or at least descriptions of the products.

If you do this- let me know how it works for you! I am curious to know what the  hot  sellers are for the holidays-- Beth