I need your advice!

Most of you are enjoying the final weeks of summer, but here, on the retail front, we've been finished with summer for months now. That's the downside of retail, one never gets to truly enjoy the season we're in because we are always buying and planning for the following season.

I'm already into the holiday season.....can you believe it? I did most of my buying for fall and some holiday in Dallas last January, but now I'm off to the New York International Gift Fair. My goal is to find more great holiday gifts so my customers won't have to fight with the huge crowds at the malls. That's where you come in. I figure who better to ask then my customers.

So, if you wouldn't mind taking a few minutes to answer the following questions, I would greatly appreciate it.

How much do you plan on spending, on an average, for gifts this year?

What type items do you find the hardest to find? (hostess, girlfriend, gifts under $25.00, etc)

Will you be purchasing any gift cards or gift certificates?

When do you expect to purchase the majority of your gifts? (by thanksgiving, a week before Christmas/Chanukah, the day before you have to give it:)

I was recently interviewed by a major retail magazine on the subject of gift cards: http://www.giftshopmag.com/2008/summer/gift_retail_management/gift_cards_at_your_gift_shop

I feel since my target is more women buying for women, that gift cards and certificates tend to be to generic. I have found my customers would rather give a gift that shows how well they know the recipient and that they took the time to shop for them. I look forward to hearing what my readers and customers think.

You can leave your comments here or feel free to email me.

Thank you for your feedback, and I'll fill you in on my gift buying when I return!