Today is Smal Business Saturday. #ShopSmall
The holiday season is upon us and so is the quest to find the perfect gift. Thankfully, store owners put thought and planning into holiday gift-giving months ago, ordering loads of gifts to love.
How do they predict which gifts will fly off the shelves?
It’s more art than science, says Kohli Flick, owner of home and gift boutique Becket Hitch at Green Spring Station.
“I don’t put anything in the store that I don’t personally like,” says Kohli. “It has to make sense to me. I never put anything in the store just to serve a purpose.”
She looks for a variety of price points, and tries to find something for everyone: teens, hostesses, and “gifts for our dudes,” she says.
Ann Marie Shiff, the owner of luxury leather goods store Maledetti Toscani, takes the same approach. “I try to put myself in the shoes of the customer,” she says. “I look for what’s practical but what’s cool.”
All the shop owners agree that the key to a successful holiday season is to offer a range of prices. Ann Marie, for one, says, “I never want anyone to feel like they can’t come in here because the merchandise is too expensive.” Prices at her store range from $30 (less if the item is on sale) to $1,500.
Local retailers have been gearing up for months for the holidays. As far back as a year ago, they placed the first orders. Throughout the summer and into August the buying season continued with merchandise trickling in since early October.
Now the shops are ready and the gifts await your arrival. What’s in store? We asked Green Spring Station store owners to share with us that one item they love and are certain you will, too. Get it while it’s hot.
Becket Hitch
“Local shoppers have local pride. When we saw this Balt pillow we knew it would be a hit. It’s an exclusive to Becket Hitch, too. We partnered with a vendor from Massachusetts to have them made.”
Boutique W
“These scarves from Italy in gorgeous scenes are a must-have for the holiday season. This lime green Vespa is our favorite! These beautiful scarves can be framed as art!”
CF Interiors
“Beatriz Ball has always been my personal top pick for holiday, hostess and wedding gifts. Its new Alegria line has the look and feel of ceramic yet is break resistant, works for indoor and outdoor entertaining, and is reasonably priced. And it’s one of Oprah’s favorite things!”
Francesca’s Atelier
“We’re certain this red velvet evening wristlet handbag with beautiful detail on the fabric will be a best seller this holiday season. It can be an accessory for a formal event or a casual night out and velvet is the hot trend right now. The deep red color makes it a festive gift for holiday giving.”
Francesca’s Bridal
“We love this handmade filigree choker with Swarovski crystals and semi-precious elements, finished with a delicate back dangle which provides a beautiful detail for an open back or lower back neckline. This will be a best seller this holiday season because both chokers and backdrop necklaces are a hot trend in fashion.”
Matava Shoes
“Our stylish novelty gloves have been flying out the door this season and customers tell us that they make wonderful gifts. Decorated in fur, pearls, and velvet, they are sure to please…and only $25-$30!”
Maledetti Toscani
“Inspired by the Italian soldiers of World War II, these bags are made of genuine washed leather and require three weeks of workmanship. All bags have an adjustable shoulder strap that allows for dual use: over the shoulder or convert to a backpack. They are extremely durable and will last a lifetime.”
Necessary Secrets
“Our hottest item will be Karla Colletto ruffle swimwear. It is elegantly sculpted to flounce and ruffle in all the right places. It lends sensuality to a collection of classic silhouettes. It comes in a multitude of colors. Flounces and ruffles are the HOTTEST trends for cruise wear 2018. It is American made with cutting-edge fabrics. Everyone tries to imitate it but no-one does the design or fabrication of Karla Colletto.”
Panache
“These handbags by popular designer Rebecca Minkoff come in trendy colors with classic styling at the same time. The prices are affordable and the quality is great.”
Stone Mill Bakery
“Home-made Holiday Iced Sugar Cookies, baked and decorated with sweet and colorful decorative icing, are always popular at Stone Mill Bakery. We will be baking an assortment ranging from Santas, reindeers, snowmen, Star of David, and more through December. Why do customers love them? They’re homemade, delicious, fun, colorful and will put a smile on every child’s (and adult’s) face. They make a great gift that everyone can enjoy but they can also be a sweet treat after a day of shopping at our Green Spring Station.”
Trillium
“Fur-trimmed winter wraps bring a glamorous touch to cozy outerwear. And you don’t have to worry about whether it will fit: One size fits all! They are a favorite every year and we think this year will be no exception.”
The Pleasure of Your Company
“I love our 18 qt. Old Bay enamelware stock pots. So quintessentially Maryland, and I wouldn’t want to put it away – let it decorate the kitchen with color. TPOYC is making hang tags for them with a Maryland crab soup recipe on it.”
Wee Chic
“We put a lot of emphasis on our book selection at Wee Chic. As parents ourselves we understand the importance of reading with your kids so we seek out unique books as well as best sellers. We love books that start a conversation and help kids at each stage learn new things.”
Yves Delorme
“The Neve Bathrobe evokes sparkling white snow seen from the windows of an Italian Palace. The 100% white cotton terry robe with sewn-on belt, shawl collar, and embroidered elements is a welcome luxury on a cold winter morning.”
Editor’s Pick
“These playful, comfy slippers from Matava Shoes will put a smile on the face of whoever receives them.”
[sponsored_by action_blurb=”Sponsored By” name=”Green Spring Station” url=”https://www.greenspringstation.com/#home” logo=”https:www.baltimorefishbowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gss-ShopSmall-Logo.jpg” byline=”Green Spring Station is located at 10751 Falls (Falls Concourse) AND 2360 W. Joppa (Joppa Concourse) and features 15 locally-owned boutiques with gifts for him, her and the kids as well as three cafes. Be sure to stop in on Small Business Saturday, November 25 and get a $25 gift certificate to use in January from the GSS shop or restaurant of your choice when you spend $150 or more in same-day receipts.” attribution_action_blurb=”Created By” attribution_name=”” attribution_url=””][/sponsored_by]
