The Complete Package:
a comprehensive look at gift wrap
I attended a lovely baby shower earlier this month and was so impressed with the beautifully wrapped gifts. I couldn’t stop thinking about the meticulously adorned presents and the fact that almost every gift had a greeting card attached made me smile. (Smiling for all the retailers who sold the gifts, wrap, gift bags, ribbons & cards, that is.)
Inspired by the shower, I immediately started this newsletter post to explore the value of gift wrap and to help you display and promote your gift wrap offerings in-store and online. Here’s the note I made on my phone during the shower: Gift wrap is far more than paper, it’s an experience. The beautifully wrapped gifts had me thinking “I wonder where that store is.”
Should you offer gift wrapping in your store? It depends what type of store, of course, but if you sell anything that may be purchased as a gift, selling gift bags, at the very least, makes sense. Wrapped gifts are special and project an element of ‘extra thought’ to a gift recipient. Plus, a beautifully wrapped gift adds perceived value to the purchase and to the store! Signature gift wrap or branded paper also serves as advertising for your retail business.
~Becky Tyre, Retail Details
Offering gift wrapping as a value-added service can be a significant time-saver for busy shoppers who want their purchases ready to give as gifts without having to wrap them. When customers feel like their needs are being taken care of, they are more likely to return to your shop, for the convenience and for the overall experience you provide. Such gestures can build customer loyalty, which is of great value in a competitive retail environment and sets your store apart from any competition.
Merchandising Gift Wrap
Rolls are displayed best in containers of some sort. Some retailers use glass vessels or vases, as shown above, and some use vendor-provide point-of-purchase displays. I’ve also seen retailers successfully use decorative baskets, tall floral tins, umbrella stands or wire/mesh waste cans. Choose a container that fits the vibe of your shop.
Individual sheet wrap display inspirations:
Create a gift wrap area or department:
Display collections together to tell a story and to encourage multiple purchases:
Showing a full collection and exhibiting how the combinations work together is an excellent way to sell more wrapping paper in-store and online!
Don’t forget the accoutrements:
If you sell bows, ribbon and gift toppers, showing examples of them in use is a sure way to sell more.
Gift tags are having a “moment”:
Ribbon display inspirations:
Gift wrap as advertising:
When your customers leave your store with a beautifully wrapped gift, they’re more likely to mention your store to friends, family or on social media. Such services are what sets a specialty shop apart from chain stores, online sellers and big box retailers.
Social Media
Whether you provide free gift wrapping, offer it for a charge or simply sell pretty paper and bags, show it off on your social media feeds:
Just as display props add visual interest to in-store visual merchandising, props are eye-catching in social media posts, too.
Tutorials:
Offer tutorials on your social media feeds. Not only will it catch the attention of scrollers, it will entice buyers to your store. Plus, DIY reels are some of the most saved posts on social media.
Looking for tutorial inspirations? I can help. Access to my extensive resources is a perk of being a premium subscriber at Retail Details. ~Becky Tyre, Retail Details
Show your store’s personality by including staff members in your social media posts:
In 2023, I wrote about retailers posting their gift wrap on social media. You can read the previous article here: Offer gift wrapping? Show it off!
In conclusion, gift wrapping is more than just a service; it’s an opportunity to elevate the customer experience, sell more merchandise, build loyalty, and enhance your retail brand.
Tag me in your gift wrapping posts: @retaildetails or #retaildetails
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From my small business to yours, stay retail inspired, friends!
~Becky Tyre, Retail Details