Believe it or not, it’s that time again for you to be thinking about your assortment for the 2014 holiday season. The editors of Gourmet Business have given you a tremendous head start with our Holiday Gift Guide found in this issue. If there is a bright spot to be found in the retail landscape, I am betting you will find it in items for the home, especially kitchenware and specialty foods.
For most consumers, meal preparation can easily occupy many hours of their day. For that reason, I think gifts that can make meal preparation more fun, less difficult or
faster have particular appeal. Since that gift item can be as inexpensive as a kitchen gadget, but incredibly useful to the recipient at the same time, it offers real bang for the buck. Furthermore, that gift represents an investment in family happiness and well-being, which makes the gift-giver feel even better about their purchase.
Specialty foods represent another great gift category that can create great interest at your point of purchase. There are so many great things to choose from that have a reasonable price point and long shelf life. You can group specialty food items together into a gift basket to create a gift with more impact and a higher price point. You
can feature locally produced and less widely distributed products to give your assortment unique appeal. And let’s not forget about the great beverage offerings that are also out there. Uniquely roasted coffees, teas of every possible variety as well as hot cocoa, chai and other winter warmers can be a perfect gift at a reasonable price point.
I think, this year in particular, you need to be focused on finding gift items that offer real value while also being a unique expression. I believe you will find safe harbor in investing
in inventory related to these product categories since they are targeted for the home and help enhance family life.
David Spencer
Publisher, Gourmet Business
President, HousewaresDirect, Inc.
dspencer@gourmetbusiness.com