Summer Stock

Sun, sandals, shorts – I'm a summer girl through and through. Whether I was born with the summer-loving gene (I'm a July birthday baby after all) or if it developed in childhood with endless days spent splashing in our pool, summer is my favourite season. I never complain about the heat. In fact, I prefer the windows rolled down to the air conditioning with Help Me, Rhonda or Barbara Ann blaring. If you're a fan of The Beach Boys too, meet me at the CGTA's Retailer of the Year gala dinner on the opening night of the Spring 2012 Toronto Gift Show. A tribute band will be sending out some good vibrations to the winners.

To get you in the mood for summer we've cooked up some great seasonal product features. From outdoor living and summer fashions to garden parties and picnic displays, we've got summer stock completely covered. If it's advice you're after, we've got plenty of that too. From why your website should be mobile-friendly to whether you should hire a business coach. In the insight department, we're celebrating the CGTA's 2011 Retailer of the Year award winners, and we have a great tale about The Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the gamble they took with their gift shop.

Why not reserve an hour or two for an early summer road trip? Close the door to the stockroom, open this issue and travel the road to retail success with us!

Erica Kirkland
Editor-in-Chief