News
March 31, 2017
Live at NSS: demos, talks by artists and savvy retailers
“The NSS Theatre is THE place for retailers to pick up ideas on fun ways to help make their store the go-to destination for creatively packaged cards and gifts in their town,” says Kelly P. Bristol, show director.
These free, drop-in workshops will take place daily from May 21-23:
10:30 a.m., Clever Gift Wrapping Hacks
Learn creative ways to dress any package for a spectacular presentation. Gift Wrap Company Studio designers share ideas to impress customers and boost sales with unique package toppers and add-ons. They’ll also explore fun ways to display accessories and finishes to make the most of your gift wrap offerings. Presenters include: Nancy Dickson, creative director; Sarah Hartford, assistant art director; Aimee Logan, creative coordinator; and Julie Madden, senior designer.
1:30 p.m., Envelope Decorating Ideas to Increase Card Sales
Want to differentiate the greeting cards sold in your store? Help your customers create a unique card-sending experience by embellishing the envelopes to showcase the sender’s thoughtfulness. Join artists from Hallmark’s creative team for a hands-on workshop and learn how to add simple design flourishes to cards and envelopes as well as tips to help your customers craft personal, meaningful messages. Hallmark presenters include: Tobe Reed, managing editor, Think.Make.Share Blog; Lynn Giunta, master artist; and Lindsay Tippett, senior designer, Trends Studio.
3:30 p.m., Retailers’ Daily Trend Picks
Each afternoon, a different pair of independent gift and stationery retailers will share and show their favorite new trends and innovative products that they’ve discovered on the Show floor that day. These savvy shop owners will also discuss what’s selling well in their stores. The schedule of presenters is as follows:
Sunday, May 21: Barbara Mooney, owner, Daisy’s, Alameda, Calif; and Tanja von Kulajta Winn, owner, RSVP, Plymouth, Mich.
Monday, May 22: Gentry O’Neill, president, Paper on the Avenue, Richmond, Va.; and Lisa Mattison Roberts, owner, Rock Paper Scissors, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Tuesday, May 23: Melinda Morris, co-owner, Lion in the Sun, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Kate Strzok, owner, Broadway Paper, Milwaukee, Wis.
Additional learning opportunities
The NSS will also host a buyer’s education series designed to help retailers gain deeper insights into sales and marketing strategies to help grow their business. The registration fee is $25 in advance or $30 on-site. Sessions include:
Sunday, May 21
9 a.m., “The Unbridled Success Path for Wedding Invitation Sales”
Moderated by Brian Lawrence, business consultant, writer and speaker to the wedding industry, the panel will include: Arlene Cronk, Invitations & Company; Steve Pastor, Alpine Creative Group; Andrea Caesar, Paper Works and Events; and Melinda Morris, Lion in the Sun
Noon, “How to Whip Your Website and Marketing Strategy into Shape”
Presented by Teddy Pekalski, Sales and Marketing Manager, Whereoware
Monday, May 22
9 a.m., “5 Ways to Make Your Small Business More Successful” — Presented by David M. Fellman, President, David Fellman & Associates
Noon: “Boss Ladies: The Secrets Behind Successful Stationery Stars” Moderated by Sarah Schwartz, Editor, Stationery Trends, the panel includes: Audrey Woollen, Urbanic; Chandra Greer, Greer Stationery; Anna Bond, Rifle Paper Co.; Emily McDowell, Emily McDowell Studio; and Chelsea Shukov, Sugar Paper
Tuesday, May 23
9 a.m., “Communicating With Color/Design: Inspiring and Defining Essential Trends”
Presented by Leatrice Eiseman, director, Pantone Color Institute, and executive director, Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training
Noon, “Drive Traffic and Boost Sales with In-Store Classes and Special Events”
Presented by Patti Biro, owner/founder, Patti Biro and Associates
