Presenting

emed and personalized baskets account for a large percentage of baskets currently being sold, and, as such, the opportunity to enhance the value of gift baskets with upsell items—such as fl owers, plants and/or other products that refl ect a recipient's lifestyle and personality—allows retailers to increase the price points and number of gift baskets they can sell year-round, without much more eff ort required. Holiday and Every Day With the holidays just around the corner, many consumers are already feeling overwhelmed with trying to fi nd a perfect gift for every friend or family member on their shopping lists. emed and personalized gift baskets off er consumers an easy way to make each recipient feel special and appreciated. Because every gift basket can include items that are specifi c to someone's life or hobby, the thought behind each gift will likely remain long after the holidays are over. And, best of all, they're also the perfect gifts for year-round occasions and events. According to retailers, when creating a themed gift basket, you should include no more than fi ve to seven items, depending on the size of the basket. A few examples of popular themed baskets include: • A basket for gardeners or garden afi cionados that includes a potted plant, seed packets, gardening gloves, a trowel, and a "basket" constructed from a garden hose. • A teatime basket that comprises a lovely assortment of teas, a teapot and teacups, appropriate snacks, and a tea towel. • A housewarming basket that features a scented candle, a small potted plant, hand soap, a hand towel and wall décor. emes for gift baskets are as limitless as your imagination. For year-round gifting, innovative basket ideas can include family game night, date night, movie night, teacher appreciation, coff ee lover, baking supplies and sports. What types of things are consumers in your market area interested in? Retailers are quick to point out that the greatest advantages of themed gift baskets are that they never go out of style, and the items included in the baskets can always be updated based on the age and changing interests of the recipients. Not only do gift baskets off er the option for personalization but they can also be enhanced with various upsell items, including many diff erent types of fl owers and plants, chocolates, and age-appropriate products such as candles and spa items for adults and plush items and balloons for younger recipients. By suggesting complementary or related add- on products, retailers can easily increase the price of every gift basket ordered or purchased in store. In addition, retailers who go a step further by creating inspiring gift-basket window and in-store displays that feature suggested add-on items also increase the potential for more walk-in traffi c and sales simply by using creative merchandising techniques. Above left: Image courtesy of angelamariemade.com Right: Image courtesy of Plum Sage Flowers; Denver, Colo. Opposite page, top to bottom: Stems, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Viola Floral, Los Angeles, Calif.; dreamingindiy.com

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