Posts Tagged ‘tissue paper’

Friday Feature Product: Custom Bags

Friday, November 6th, 2009

When I’m walking around in the mall one of the things I notice the most are the bags that people are toting around. This tells me which stores are in the mall and even if that store is having a sale. Your bags communicate a message to others, as well as reflect on your store’s image.

Think about what a white plastic bag says, and then think about a bronze metallic paper bag with handles and GUCCI in printed in gold letters. The message is very different. We’re not suggesting creating the most elaborate bag you can but do think about using a bag that means something.

Store Supply Warehouse’s online custom bag manager makes creating a branded bag easy, quick and affordable. Custom options include:

  • Kraft Paper Shopping Bags
  • Apparel Boxes
  • Metallic Paper Shopping Bags
  • Fashion Color Paper Shopping Bags
  • Euro Totes
  • Gift Boxes

Once you select the product you want to customize you choose the color of the bag/box, the foil color and if you want one or two sided printing. In addition, you can upload artwork and logos. The program suggests what items are ideal to fit in the selected bag/box, as well as gives a price per carton and will update the price as you change your options and quantity. Other design options include bag/box text, font, size, style, alignment and color. Below is an example of what the custom manager looks like.

Adding Tissue Paper and wrapping fragile items in Kraft Paper will accent your custom bag. Consider using different bags to promote a sale or holiday. If your bags stand out, your store will too!

Do you use cool, custom bags in your store? Tell us about your custom bag design.

Friday Featured Product: Gift Packaging

Friday, May 15th, 2009

On Tuesday, we discussed the benefits of starting a gift certificate program at your store. But what about the person that purchases merchandise for their loved ones? Oftentimes, people are in a rush and would like to get a gift, packaging and wrap all in one place. So today we are going to discuss the different options in gift packaging.

First you need to decide if you are going to offer gift wrap as an additional or complimentary service. Many stores will offer it for free around the holidays to woo in customers. If you have the space, the resources and the man power, it might not be a bad idea to throw this service in on the house after a certain purchase point.

If you are doing gift wrap for free, the most cost effective solution is to purchase gift boxes in bulk and then have several large rolls of gift wrap on hand. The gift wrap you choose says a lot about your store. So it is better to err on the conservative side in higher end stores. We recommend solid gold or silver paper or even gold or silver striped paper. This style of paper is versatile for weddings, birthdays or shower presents. But don’t be afraid to have a little fun, especially if you are a store that caters to children. Choose paper the compliments your store’s logo and design.

Retail gift wrap comes in half ream rolls, so you will want to invest in a gift wrap dispenser. These stands protect your paper, make it extremely easy to measure and cut, and come in a variety of sizes to hold either one or multiple rolls. Then purchase ribbon and tags as the finishing touch to your packaging.

If you aren’t planning on offering gift wrap, another option is to stock wrapping supplies such as gift bags and tissue paper. Then keep these items near the counter and train your sales staff to ask customers if they would like to add gift wrapping supplies to their order.

Another way to do gift wrap is to having shopping bags that can double as gift bags. Victoria’s Secret has perfected this idea by placing every item in a gift bag with their signature pink tissue paper. Glossy euro totes and frosted shopping bags are both good options if going this route.

Just remember, by offering gift wrapping options at your store, you are helping your customers and keeping profits in your store.

How do you handle gift wrapping in your retail store?