A Day Devoted to Customers Brings Big Haul to Amazon

Certainly most businesses could learn a lesson or two from Amazon.com, whose massive multi-billion dollar website has been hailed as a leader in customer service and satisfaction. This e-commerce giant had its second annual Prime Day on July 12^th, not only offering amazing deals to its Prime subscribers, but also enticed many to sign up for the free 30-day trial that converts to a yearly membership status if not cancelled. According to CNBC news, last year more than 179 million visitors logged on and has now established Amazon Prime Day as the fourth busiest shopping event behind Thanksgiving, Cyber Monday, and Black Friday.

Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) can also set apart a day of special discounts to loyal customers. Instigating a customer appreciation program is a great way to thank your loyal customers while increasing your customer base. Try one of these quirky concepts:

• Hold a learning day to offer free tips on the use of your product line.
• Offer one lucky customer an over-the-top experience they will share with others.
• Have a book give-away particularly tailored to your product or services.
• Start your own VIP rewards program with a discount on the customer's anniversary.
• Feature customers on your businesses website for a personal touch.
• Everyone loves receiving gifts; mail your customers something special.
• Offer a day of upgraded services for your customers.
• Throw an in-store party, maybe a wine tasting or appetizers.

There are so many ways to show your customers how much you value their business and also how your business cares about their satisfaction. For all of your everyday packaging needs, as well as any special promotional events you might run, be sure to contact us to discuss your packaging options! 

Brick & Mortar Struggling, Online Sales Soaring

The global economic insecurities of the past decade are still rattling retailers. But maybe the Great Recession is getting too much of the blame. Rebounding, even surging, sales from online giants such as Amazon indicate that more and more consumers are turning to the web for their shopping.

Major retailers are definitely rattled, though. A June 8th article from CNNMoney reported an announcement from Ralph Lauren saying the company "was looking to cut about 1,200 jobs -- 8% of its full-time workforce." Ralph Lauren isn't the only retail giant taking a beating. Nordstrom, Macy's, and Walmart also announced layoffs.

The ecommerce industry growth at the expense of retail stores isn't just an American problem. An article in Forbes magazine shows that the British retail sector is behaving almost identically to the American retail sector, the trend toward online shopping for apparel indisputable, rising 18.5% while the in-store sales dropped 1.9%.


The growth of ecommerce is directly related to the ease, especially for the technologically savvy millennials. With a smartphone and five minutes, you can check dozens of reviews, compare prices at ten different stores, and order a new sweater. All while you wait for your coffee.

The Takeaway

The retail sector is increasingly overshadowed by online shopping. A strong online presence is a must. With it you'll need a robust shipping system and branded e-commerce packaging. For help with any of your packaging needs, please contact us.

10 Jewelry Trends for Fall

As we head into the hot summer months, it's time to think about how to stock our stores for the fall and important holiday shopping seasons. JCK fashion magazine recently reviewed the fall runway shows and offered 10 jewelry trends that retailers should be prepared for:

• Choker and collar necklaces: This trend hangs on for the fall and the daring fashionistas will pair them with longer necklaces.
• Mismatched earrings: This European trend could be finding its way Stateside.
• Safety pins, locks and hardware: This edgy trend is enjoying a moment, but you'll know if your customers want to go this far.
• Yellow gold: To pair with the 1970s and '80s styles that are making a comeback.
• Long pendant necklaces: These also are swinging from the '70s trend and can be one piece in a layered look.
• Chains and bow: Combining the hard chain look with the softer bows and ribbons makes a dynamic pairing.
• Oversize earrings: A carryover trend from the spring so you can have another chance to clear out your showcases.
• Pearls: Pearls are creeping out of their traditional mode, but what's hot are big baroque and colorful pearls.
• Layered necklaces: One is never enough! Think up-selling!
• Long drop earrings: Fashions are trending long and the earrings need to hang with them.

Jewelry isn't just for high-end or boutique jewelry stores. Hair and nail salons, spas, and cosmetics retailers, as well as clothing and gift stores can also grab some of this lucrative business for a small investment and nice mark-up - your cash register area is the perfect place to grab these sales! 

As you think about stocking these hot items for fall, don't forget to make sure you have the appropriate packaging on hand as well. Contact us today to get the right size packaging and trendy bags to promote your store.

Boutique Bakeries - Goodness Inside And Out Of The Package

Boutique bakeries and confection shops are swiftly emerging everywhere. From the heart of metropolis to small cities and towns, these culinary gems are in demand. After all, who doesn't love fresh-baked cupcakes?

Boutique bakeries, as well as other specialty shops, depend on the unique talents of their chefs. You don't have to be a cupcake connoisseur to know that these deserve appreciation! The culinary skill of these home-grown chefs is refined, creative and experienced. Presentation is an important hint to prospective customers though. It tells them to give it a try.

The confections trend is growing, but it's still a niche market. Distinguishability is key, which is one of the beauties of cooking! Just like these baked goodies, there are countless ingredients and combinations that go into a branded parcel. 

Look for different elements that can create something new, but something that gets the taste buds tingling too... Shapes that reflect or invoke how the product feels are viscerally and visually attractive. Size also allows for bountiful options in packaging. Boxes, bags and wrappers can all be specially tailored to signify these exceptional and eccentric foods; creating more possibilities for design.


Fancy cupcakes are often taken to parties as gifts – so if you want your customers spreading your brand for you – make sure to contact us to discuss cupcake box options, as well as branded bags, tissue, labels, and more. 

Bring Summer Color Trends From the Runway to Your Store

Every year fashion shows from Milan to London to New York will set the pace for new summer color trends to spark designer's imaginations and grace the racks of retail and online fashionista websites. Runway designer fashions may be practical and affordable only for pop culture artists and entertainers, but the colors, patterns and general shapes and lengths will translate into ready to wear clothing for the average consumer. For retail store, salon, and spa owners – keeping your eye on the new summer colors can add fresh ideas to your product line and in-store design!

This summer, look for a more saturated color palette that will distinguish summer fashion from the soft pastels commonly worn in the spring. Coral, a pink with salmon colored undertones, will be a popular bright spot in retail this summer. Persimmon has the same pink hue, yet with a tinge of orange to make a dramatic color splash. Pairings of Coral and Persimmon shades with golds, greens and browns will make your space, products, or packaging pop.

Lemon Chiffon and Periwinkle Blue are the new blue and yellow this summer, especially for masculine products, clothing, and environments. However, muted colors will always be “in” for men. Who can forget Kanye West's revealing of his second Yeezy collection which featured only neutral color clothing? Use the beige color palette when in doubt! A natural colored bag with a ribbon, bow, or tissue of a vibrant trendy color will never go out of style!

Dark Teal and Burgundy are two super saturated colors that were popular on the 80's fashion scene and are making a dramatic comeback. The darker the hue, the more bold and elegant of a statement will be made. While these colors have traditionally been reserved for fall and winter fashions, you won't go wrong with these colors this summer – whether in retail design or packaging.

Contact us to learn how incorporating new, trending colors into your brand packaging and accessories can add a refreshing new look to your business!

The Importance of Un-packaging

Are your online shoppers getting the same treatment as your in-store shoppers? Social media is abuzz with pictures of people showing off products they bought online; YouTube especially has many "Unpackaging" or "Unboxing" videos, where one not only talks about a particular product on camera but also opens the box it comes in.

According to an article in Ecommerce Platforms which discusses the 2015 Dotcom Distribution Packaging Report:

"Unboxing videos are becoming more and more popular, and 35% of the survey respondents actually stated that they had [watched] an unboxing video in the past, and of those 55% said they ended up purchasing the product because of this video."

However, your products will not end up on a viral YouTube video if you don’t add some flare to that e-commerce packaging! We suggest the following:

• Ditch the plain cardboard box. While you might want to remain discreet with standard cardboard on the outside, print the inside of the box or insert an wrapped gift box within the shipping box.
• Tie it up. Add a ribbon or bow to the inside package. Or, include marketing materials or promotions in the package, and tie them up in a flattering way with the products.
• Stuff It. There are many economical (i.e. light) fill options for boxes, including shred or tissue, that help not only protect your merchandise, but also add an extra hue of color and excitement.

Beautify your packaging and see the love for your product rise. Contactus for more information on ecommerce packaging.

Lightning Fast Delivery - Just What Small Business Needs!

Amazon, ever the innovator, is changing the way retail delivery works once again. Back in 2005, when Amazon started its premium “Prime” service that offered two-day delivery, many found themselves asking if it was really “necessary”. In the last 11 years, though, consumers have shown that the question isn't whether or not speedy delivery is necessary, it's whether or not consumers are willing to pay for it. In 2014, the same debate started again when Amazon launched its even-more-premium “Prime Now” service that offers delivery as quick as one-hour. The service began limited to Manhattan, but has since expanded to include most major cities in the United States, and some beyond.

Other companies, like Macy's partner Deliv and Uber's UberRUSH and UberEAT, have seen the potential of getting consumers their goods as soon as possible, and have gotten on board with the new delivery trend. Companies like Instacart and DoorDash, services that deliver groceries and ready-made meals, respectively, are also beginning to branch out into the arena of same-day retail delivery.

And while giants like Amazon and Macy's are spearheading the practice of lightning fast delivery, this is an opportunity that seems tailor-made for small, local businesses. The problems that detractors frequently point out for behemoths like Amazon, specifically that near-instant delivery can become a logistical nightmare that would prove prohibitively expensive to expand beyond urban centers, is not an issue for smaller businesses with a narrower focus. Beyond that, as these businesses grow, they can keep same-day delivery in mind while building their infrastructure so as to avoid the same problems that other companies experience while expanding.

Given the trend in, especially millennials, favoring local businesses, this kind of hyper quick delivery could prove to be exactly the edge a brick and mortar operation needs to separate itself from the pack.


With the move toward quicker delivery, small business will also need eye-catching packaging to further set themselves apart. That's where we come into play. For top quality shipping materials, think Action Bag. For more information, feel free to contact us.