Swap Meet Magazine October 2023 EMAG

6 • OCTOBER 2023 • SWAP MEET MAGAZINE... READ BY 75,000 VENDORS NATIONWIDE
42 Years
THE PUBLISHER
SWAP MEET MAGAZINE
Published by:
Forum Publishing Co.
383 East Main Street
Centerport, NY 11721
Tel: 631/754-5000
Fax: 631/754-0630
forumpublishing@gmail.com
www.SwapMeetMag.com
SALES & MARKETING
Gregory Brown
Harry Makris
Tom Richards
Scott Savitt
Marti Stevens
OFFICE MANAGER
Leah C
1981-2023
FROM
PRODUCTION
Lisa Maresca-Smith
CREDIT DEPARTMENT
Kristine Hines
CIRCULATION
Discount Reading Svc.
LITERARY SALES
Rachel Spearman
COLOR PRODUCTION
Anchor Imaging
PRINTING
Composing Room
ART DIRECTION
Gregory Stevens
Marti Stevens
SWAP MEET is published monthly at
$75/year USA, $125/year foreign.
Entire contents copyright ©2023
Forum Publishing. Publisher assumes
no responsibility for contents herein.
First and third class postage paid at
Centerport, NY. Bulk mail paid at
Shirley, NY and additional locations
under private mail indicia.
Retailers Head Down the Final Stretch
AS we enter the home stretch of the fourth quarter this is the
time that as retailer’s we know that anything is possible from this
month through the end of the year.
BETWEEN the economy slowly stabilizing and inflation on the
decrease there is great promise for all of our businesses down the
stretch to the holidays. The back-to-school sales numbers have
come in higher than economists expected so this is all good news
for us.
OUR modestly priced merchandise stores are poised for success.
More than ever before, consumers are looking for value and
quality and if you have the right mix, you will have an excellent
and profitable quarter for your business.
FOR many of us Halloween is a major boost in sales that kicks off
the season. All retailers need to be taking advantage of the sales
opportunity that Halloween brings. People spend lots of money on
this holiday, which is all frivolous spending. If you’re not already
selling Halloween goods in your store you should be thinking
about adding a small section, a few shelves or perhaps even an end
cap by the register with impulse type products.
BE creative with your displays this year and incorporate the
holidays and include Thanksgiving as well. Thanksgiving is a great
time for gift buyers as they visit relatives and friends. Make sure
that you are rotating your displays and more importantly adding
new current merchandise to your offerings. Remember the rule in
retailing: If it didn’t sell last year it isn’t going to sell this year with
the inch of dust on it!
HERE are some obvious things to do this time of year to get
ready for the holidays. Make sure you are accepting credit and
debit cards. Shop carefully for your processor to make sure you
are getting the best interchange rates. We found that services like
PayPal and Square are really quite competitive as they do not have
the extra fees for premium cards or maintenance costs. Small
change adds up and can save you thousands of dollars annually
by reviewing your costs.
ABOVE all, make sure that your sales space is festive and
inviting. If you operate an online store, make sure that it reflects
the feel of each season. If you and your staff get into the spirit
your customers are sure to follow. Go the extra mile and creative
exciting and enticing window displays and signage. Your #1 job is
to get shoppers into your store and shopping!