Saturday, August 2, 2014

Trending UP: Peeps and Frozen Candy

Some folks might think that being a candy and gift retailer is a snap.  Some might think we just unlock the doors in the morning, help customers, pay bills, do a bit of ordering and close up at night. 
Sounds a little boring doesn't it?
In reality, in order to create a "happy place" (have you been paying attention to our ads in Tulsa People and Intermission magazines??) a candy and gift retailer has to work hard to stay on top of what is new and exciting.
Recently I have noticed that Peeps Candy is multiplying like little cute bunnies.  Not long ago, Peeps were Easter candy, just a one of kind marshmellow-y confection.  Well buddy, that is not the case any longer!!  Peeps are coming in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes, dipped in milk or dark chocolate and available more than just at Easter.  In fact, I am kind of excited about the Despicable Me Peeps we ordered for Christmas.
And what about that "Frozen" movie phenomenon?  It has moved over into clothes, shoes, purses, tins, jewelry and lo and behold, CANDY!!
We have been anticipating the Jelly Belly packets of Jelly Bellys with those loveable characters, Olaf, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna on the packages.
Truth be told, the packaging is great and maybe even worth saving for a while.  Inside you will find the new shimmery Jelly Bellys in ice-y colors and flavors.  Those little packets just flew out the door and now we are waiting rather impatiently for our distributor to get more inventory....we are temporarily sold out.
Wait until Christmas!!  There is a lot more to anticipate from the "Frozen" license.
How do we know about these things?  There are trade magazines, email newsletters and just general gossip which we have to investigate every day.  Can't afford to be 2 steps behind what everyone is looking for.
Just like any other profession, retailers should be educated, involved and investigating what is available in the world of candy and gifts.
Here's the tricky question:  how do you know if you have ordered a real bummer of a gift or candy?  Only time will tell.  Are the customers buying or turning away?  

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