In This Issue

Making the Most of Marketing and Managing Time

By Julie L. Jones
June 2008

Know what? TDmonthly Magazine wants you to have a good year! The state of the economy may put a damper on things, but if you’re committed to conducting business “as usual” (or even better than usual), read on for the tips and trends rounding out this month’s issue.

TIMELY TIPS

Need more time in your day? Or desperate to know how to best utilize the time you do have? Check out “How to Get the Time You Need,” and learn how other storeowners manage their days. From speed-reading and regularly sending out press releases, to getting enough sleep and visiting fellow retailers, grab some “quick” tips to help you save on time and stress — to benefit yourself and your business!

MARKETING FOR FAME

“Retailing Tips: How to Become a Famous Store” unlocks some of retailers’ “chilly” secrets to successful marketing — whether demonstrating ice cream balls to grab customers’ attention or having a local ice cream treat named after your store. See how generosity and community involvement can play a significant part in promoting your store, and gather some hints on marketing tactics you haven’t yet tried.

STAFF PICKS

In case it’s hard to keep up with the hundreds of new toys hitting the market, TDmonthly has compiled a brief list of staff favorites pulled from the collection of products recently added to our site. See a few examples below, take a look at the full article, jump right to our top-10 lists (construction toys, licensed goods and activity kits/playsets) for leading trends, or go all out and search for products on your own in TDmonthly’s Notable and New Toys.

Sweet Shoppe Birthday Party Fabric Creativity Kit by STORYBOOK STUDIO

The kit comes with unique peel-and-stick stencils, fabric paint, glitter and fabric glue, allowing children to easily personalize fabric items such as sneakers, clothes, totes and accessories. “The party-sized kit is packaged in our kid-pleasing hot pink cake box and includes invitations, thank you cards, totes to decorate and enough art materials for a party of twelve,” Storybook Studio Founder Melissa Yamello told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008. 4/28/2008 (MSRP: $29.95; Age: 4 and Up)

GeoSafari Tyrannosaurus Rex by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

GeoSafari Tyrannosaurus Rex by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC. The kit features 30 snap-together parts, a rock-like base with six plant fossils, a dinosaur jawbone fragment, support rods, a full-color T-Rex action poster and full-color assembly instructions. The skeleton displays beautifully after assembly. “Dinosaurs are very popluar right now and our product is a great quality for the money,” Educational Insights Inc. Advertising and Public Relations Coordinator Heidi Bultman told TDmonthly. “Also, our dinosaur can be put together over and over again, and does not use glue.” Launch date: January 2008. 5/5/2008 (MSRP: $99.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Blocks Set by TREE BY KERRI LEE LLC

Blocks Set by TREE BY KERRI LEE LLC Recommended for ages 6 months and up, these 2" hardwood blocks in a pastel palette are handpainted and handprinted with non-toxic finishes, featuring images of old-fashioned toys, letters and numbers. Six blocks come in a clear drawstring pouch. A bright set is also available. “It is handmade in our small studio in New York,” Owner and Designer Kerri Lee-Sensiba told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 4/28/2008 (MSRP: $24.00; Age: 1 and Up)