What should my family put in our gift shop?

[Katrina H]

We have been in San Antonio for about two years and because of the hard financial times, need ed to make money, so we opened a gift shop. So far it is doing well, however we need to get the word around. We have a facebook page and are telling our friends. We are looking into billboards and movie theater ads. Also, we have a good array of products, however we are always looking for some more unique things - cosmetics, men's stuff, costume jewelry, etc. Are there any good products we can sell that are not widely available? How can we get the word around? How can we find local artists? Thank you.

[jam]

Put adverts in local papers.

[Mark]

well, if it's really warm there sell cold water for a slightly more than reasonable price.

[junkability]

I found just by going through a site like ebay you can find people who make hand-made items who are not only good but are glad to have the business.
Some of the items I have brought for gift's are...
Dolls / Baby cloths
Jewellery
Reborn babies (very popular)
wooden toys

Also try the obvious just google handmade + your area.

When you find people who make the items ask them to advertise for you i.e Also sold in (name of shop)

Rent sale space... local artists place there items in your shop for there own advertising.. make sure you get a liability contract though!

[Tony]

Wholesale suppliers such as L.R.Caldwell International Inc. assist in promoting and advertising the products and business of their customers with out a fee. If your gift shop has a catchy name, you may want to ask them to create a 'Brand name" for you. Products carrying your business name is an excellent form of advertising.

[Nicole Lytle]

Hi, I own a gift basket company and I was looking to possibly consign/sell them in a store. I live in PA but I am willing to ship them to you if you are interested. I can be contacted at http://www.greatbasketations.com!